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Tennis Elbow
Mild
Tennis elbow is a condition involving pain and tenderness around the outside of the elbow, usually caused by repeated use of the muscles and tendons of the forearm. Despite its name, it can affect anyone whose activities involve repetitive gripping or wrist and forearm movements. Pain may worsen when gripping, lifting, or moving the wrist.
Body System
Muscles & Tendons
When to Seek Medical Attention
Tennis elbow is generally not an emergency. Seek medical assessment when persistent outer-elbow pain interferes with normal activities or does not improve with appropriate care. Prompt evaluation is appropriate for significant weakness, numbness, major swelling, severe pain after an injury, or sudden loss of arm function.
Symptoms
2
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Tennis elbow is a condition involving pain and tenderness around the outside of the elbow, usually caused by repeated use of the muscles and tendons of the forearm. Despite its name, it can affect anyone whose activities involve repetitive gripping or wrist and forearm movements. Pain may worsen when gripping, lifting, or moving the wrist.
Symptoms 2
Back Pain
Muscle Weakness
Causes 1
Tennis elbow usually results from repeated contraction and overuse of the forearm muscles that attach to the outside of the elbow. Repetitive gripping, lifting, throwing, typing, or other activities involving the wrist and forearm can place repeated stress on the tendon. Small areas of tendon damage and degeneration may develop over time rather than from one specific injury.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Risk Factors
Risk factors include repetitive gripping or wrist movements, occupations involving manual work, sports that require repeated arm use, poor technique, sudden increases in activity, and inadequate recovery between activities. Increasing age may also contribute because tendons can become less resilient over time.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Tennis elbow is usually diagnosed through a medical history and physical examination. The healthcare professional may assess pain and tenderness around the outside of the elbow and test wrist and forearm movements. Imaging is not usually necessary for straightforward cases but may be used when symptoms are unusual, severe, persistent, or suggest another condition or injury.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
The risk of tennis elbow may be reduced by using proper technique during sports and work activities, taking breaks from repetitive movements, gradually increasing activity, and allowing adequate recovery
Strengthening and stretching the forearm muscles may help people who perform repetitive activities
Ergonomic adjustments and appropriate equipment can also reduce unnecessary strain
Prevention Guidance
The risk of tennis elbow may be reduced by using proper technique during sports and work activities, taking breaks from repetitive movements, gradually increasing activity, and allowing adequate recovery. Strengthening and stretching the forearm muscles may help people who perform repetitive activities. Ergonomic adjustments and appropriate equipment can also reduce unnecessary strain.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Lean proteins
Support tissue healing
Fresh fruits
Provide antioxidants
Vegetables
Support recovery and overall health
Foods to Avoid
Processed foods
May increase inflammation
Sugary beverages
Offer little nutritional value
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
A tendon injury affecting the outer side of the elbow.
Athletes and people performing repetitive arm movements.
Elbow pain and weak grip strength.
Yes, rest often reduces symptoms.
Through clinical examination and history.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.