Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Management Strategies

By Shikin Fadzullah

Welcome to Pinnacle Fitness' comprehensive guide to injury management and recovery. Over the next 12 months, we will be exploring various common injuries, their causes, symptoms, and effective treatments. From neck strains to plantar fasciitis, our series will provide valuable insights and practical advice on managing these conditions. Today's article focuses on tennis elbow. We will cover the nature of this condition, its symptoms, and the types of exercises and treatments you can use to aid recovery and improve mobility. Whether you are looking to stay healthy, enhance your physical performance, or ensure a quicker recovery from existing injuries, our guide is here to help. So, let's get started.

Understanding Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain and tenderness around the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, you don’t have to be a tennis player to suffer from this ailment. It can arise from any activity that involves repetitive wrist and arm movements, such as gardening, painting, carpentry, or even typing.

Symptoms and Causes

The hallmark of tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow, which can radiate down the forearm. This pain often worsens with activities like lifting, gripping, or twisting your forearm – think turning a doorknob or shaking hands. In severe cases, the pain can be constant, making even simple tasks difficult.

Managing Tennis Elbow

Managing tennis elbow effectively involves a combination of pain relief, exercises, and lifestyle adjustments. Here are some practical strategies to help alleviate the symptoms of tennis elbow:

Pain Management

Ice massages can be highly effective in reducing pain and inflammation. Simply take a small piece of ice and rub it over the painful area in a circular motion for 5-10 minutes, several times a day.

Exercises 

The following exercises are designed to help manage tennis elbow. Ensure you are in a safe environment and using proper form. Stop immediately if the pain becomes sharp or unbearable.

WARNING: Perform all exercises carefully and within your pain tolerance.

1. Range of Motion Exercise: Wrist Flexion & Extension

To improve range of motion, wrist flexion and extension exercises can be beneficial. Sit down and rest your forearm on a table or your thigh with your palm facing down. Slowly bend your wrist upwards (extension) and then downwards (flexion). Perform 10 repetitions of this movement to help increase flexibility and reduce stiffness. Watch the video below :

2. Stretching Exercise: Forearm Extensor Stretch

Stretching helps relieve tension in the muscles and tendons. Try the forearm extensor stretch. Watch the video below:

 
3. Strengthening Exercise: Wrist Extension with Dumbbells

Strengthening the muscles around your elbow can prevent further injury. An effective exercise is the wrist extension with dumbbells. Watch the video below:

Conclusion

Tennis elbow can be a painful and frustrating condition, but with the right management strategies, you can relieve pain, regain movement, and strengthen your elbow to prevent future issues. Start any new exercise regimen slowly and ensure you’re performing exercises correctly and safely. With patience and consistency, you can overcome tennis elbow and return to your regular activities pain-free.

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