In addition to effecting tennis players, tennis elbow effect’s a great number of people who are involved in activities outside of
sport of tennis. Tennis elbow also known as lateral Epicondylitis is caused by damaging tendon of extensor muscles in forearm. The tendon of these extensor muscles connects to lateral epicondyle of upper arm bone called humerus. (See diagram) When muscles are overused or exposed to a force they can not withstand tendon will become damaged. The damaged tendon will then become inflamed and cause soreness and/or pain in lateral elbow area.
Common causes for Tennis Elbow when playing tennis: □ lack of forearm strength □ lack of flexibility □ poor backhand technique □ racquet is too heavy for player □ racquet grip is too large for player □ improper warm up and/or stretching
Other activities that have been linked to Tennis Elbow outside of sport of tennis: □ sports that involve throwing □ repetitive use of scissors, pliers, shears □ Manuel occupations that involve lifting with wrist such as metal workers, plumbers, painters, and mason workers.
The effects of tennis elbow can come on abruptly from a sudden blow or slowly from chronic overuse. It is important to treat area before symptoms progress to a level of constant pain. The symptoms of tennis elbow include elbow pain sometimes with stiffness and or pulsing in elbow.
Tennis elbow can be treated a number of different ways depending on severity on damage that has been done to tendon.
Treatment: Step 1: Rest elbow joint and forearm muscle attached to damaged tendon whenever possible to allow healing process to take place. Rest arm in a straight position. Step 2: Find muscle that is attached to damaged tendon (extensor muscles). It is located on outside of forearm just above bone and is seen in diagram above. (NEVER PRESS or MASSAGE INJURED TENDON)
