Tennis Elbow Is Not Just for Athletes

“Tennis elbow is a bit of a misnomer. Everyday activities can cause the kind of inflammation in the elbow that we commonly refer to as tennis elbow. Using a screwdriver or hammer, painting, raking, or weaving — any activity that repeatedly causes you to extend your wrist or rotate your forearm could be a concern,” says Bob Williams, MD, an elbow specialist with Chelsea Orthopedic Specialists.

The most common symptom of tennis elbow is pain on the outer side of the elbow and down the forearm. You may have pain all the time or only when you lift things. The elbow may also swell, get red, or feel warm to the touch. And it may hurt to grip things, turn your hand, or swing your arm.

In a minority of cases, more advanced symptoms may develop. These include reduced range of motion, deformity, inflammation coupled with a fever, or broken bones. Some of these cases can require surgery.

Dr. Williams recommends rest, ice, physical therapy, and acetaminophen to keep swelling down. When these treatments are ineffective, surgery to trim the inflamed tendon or release and reattach the tendon typically relieves the pain.

“Ultimately, we need to consider changes in activity,” Dr. Williams says. “Varying activities throughout the day could determine whether a patient requires surgery or not.”

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of tennis elbow, consult your physician. He or she can refer you to Dr. Williams for treatment.