Tennis elbow is a condition arising from the overuse of the tendons on the outside of the elbow, leading to pain and limited mobility. Tennis elbow typically occurs due to the swelling of the tendons responsible for bending the wrist backward and may cause pain on the outer side of the elbow due to inflammation occurring at the protrusions of the humerus bone. This condition results from the overexertion and bending of the forearm.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is characterized by swelling and pain resulting from inflammation and micro-tearing in the tendon fibers that connect the forearm muscles to the elbow bone. Tennis elbow is commonly seen in tennis players who grip rackets tightly, resulting from repetitive and strenuous wrist-forearm activities, and hence, it is named as such.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow can occur due to reasons such as excessive training, muscle weakness or lack of stretching, improper equipment usage, and inadequate warm-up.
The main factors causing tennis elbow are:
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Repetitive hand-arm movements: Mouse usage, hammering, and screwdriver turning can be among these movements.
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Applying incorrect sports techniques and using improper equipment.
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Non-ergonomic working positions.
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Muscle imbalances and inadequate warm-up.
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Age factor: Tennis elbow usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 50, and age is a factor contributing to its development.
What are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?
The symptoms of tennis elbow usually develop gradually. In individuals with tennis elbow, the pain can increase over time and become severe. The symptoms of tennis elbow are as follows:
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Pain and tenderness in the elbow area
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Feeling of weakness
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Swelling and redness in the elbow
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Restricted movement
Early diagnosis during the onset of pain is crucial to prevent the chronicization of the disease.
How is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of tennis elbow is made through a detailed physical examination and evaluation of the patient's history. Typical symptoms of the disease, such as pain on the outer part of the elbow, reduced grip strength, and increased tenderness with specific movements, may not be sufficient for diagnosis. Tests may be applied to differentiate other muscle, tendon, or nerve disorders that can cause similar complaints.
Physical Examination
The elbow and forearm region are evaluated.
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The presence of pain and tenderness is checked by pressing on the outside of the elbow.
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Wrist extension test (extension) reveals the severity of the pain.
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Resistance tests determine the extent of tendon involvement.
The purpose of these evaluations is to ascertain whether the pain is genuinely originating from the lateral epicondyle region.
Imaging Methods
Diagnosis is often clarified through physical examination; however, imaging methods can be utilized to confirm the source of pain and exclude possible complications:
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Ultrasonography (USG): Can show findings such as tendon thickness, edema, or tears.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Allows a detailed examination of tendon structure in chronic cases.
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X-ray: Can be used to evaluate calcification on the bone surface or the presence of different pathologies.
Differential Diagnosis Options
Disorders that can be confused with tennis elbow include:
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Nerve compressions in the elbow (radial tunnel syndrome),
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Joint problems (arthritis, arthrosis),
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Neck-related nerve pain (cervical radiculopathy).
How is Tennis Elbow Treated?
When not resulting from serious injuries, tennis elbow can heal with minimal intervention. Non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment options are available for this condition.
Resting and restricting activities might be necessary for tendon recovery. Also, treatment methods like PRP injection can be preferred.
Surgical options can be used in advanced cases, replacing the damaged tissue with healthy tendon and muscle.
After experiencing tennis elbow, a brace may be recommended to prevent symptom recurrence, and pain relievers can be used to alleviate pain. This condition should not be self-treated, and a doctor should be consulted to establish an appropriate treatment plan.
What are Tennis Elbow Exercises?
Tennis elbow exercises can help strengthen the muscles and tendons around the elbow. When done regularly, they can reduce pain and increase the endurance of the elbow region.
- Elbow Extension and Flexion Movement:
This is an exercise aimed at strengthening the muscles around the elbow. Bend your elbows to 90 degrees while sitting, then slowly straighten your arms. You can repeat this movement 10 times in a controlled manner.
- Bending and Loosening Exercise:
It supports the strengthening of hand and wrist muscles. Wrap a rubber band around your hand and bend and loosen your fingers. You can gradually increase the exercise, applying several sets for each hand.
- Forearm Twist Exercise:
A study that strengthens the elbow and forearm tendons. Place your arm on a table, hold a light weight, and slowly turn your wrist inward and outward.
- Squeezing Exercise:
Take a soft ball in your hand and squeeze and release it to work the hand muscles. You can sustain each squeeze for 5 seconds and perform 10 repetitions.
- Towel Twist Exercise:
Hold a dry towel from its opposite ends with both of your hands. Turn in opposite directions as if you are squeezing water out of the towel. You can perform the exercise for 10 repetitions.
If you experience severe pain or discomfort during tennis elbow exercises, it is recommended that you stop the movement and rest. These exercises, performed regularly but without overdoing, can support tendon healing and maintain muscle strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does tennis elbow heal?
Tennis elbow can heal with rest, cold application, exercises, and physical therapy. In advanced cases, injection or, rarely, surgical treatment may be necessary.
What are tennis elbow bands for?
Tennis elbow band is a supportive appliance applied over the forearm muscles and can help alleviate pain by reducing pressure on the tendon. Its correct use, supported by exercises and physical therapy, can have a positive impact on the treatment process.
Does tennis elbow heal on its own?
In mild cases, pain may decrease with rest, but exercise and physical therapy support may be needed for complete recovery. If left untreated, the pain can become chronic, and movement restrictions may develop.
Is tennis elbow a recurring condition?
Yes, it can recur, especially if muscle imbalances, incorrect posture, or non-ergonomic working conditions persist. Regular exercise and maintaining correct posture reduce the risk of recurrence.