Tennis elbow may present with pain that would radiate from outside of the elbow to the forearm and wrist. Pain would make movement of the hand difficult. Individuals with tennis elbow would also find it difficult to hold a cup, shake hands and turn a door knob. Without treatment, the pain gradually worsens and affected individuals also slowly lose the power to grasp.

Individuals who have developed tennis elbow would also experience morning stiffness in the area affected and pain from activities that utilize muscles of the affected area. Activities such as lifting and wrist extension would be painful for affected individuals.

A preliminary physical examination to evaluate the extent of motion ability of the elbow, forearm and wrist would be carried out. The individual would also be asked to move his fingers in various ways to analyze the restricted mobility of the fingers. In many cases, physical examination is enough to diagnose the condition. However, certain others tests may need to be conducted to further confirm the diagnosis. X-rays and other imaging studies of the affected area may help to arrive at a definite diagnosis [6] [7].

Mild cases of tennis elbow often resolve on their own. Over the counter pain relieving medications along with physical therapy may also be beneficial. Physical therapy has strong basis in treatment of tennis elbow. The following methods of physical therapy include [8]:

• Proper techniques: Learning and mastering the art of proper techniques while playing tennis will help reduce the incidence of tennis elbow. Players should seek help from experts to learn the proper movements that would help exert minimal pressure on the injured tissue.
• Exercises: Exercises go a long way in strengthening the muscles of the forearm. A physiotherapist would teach individuals various types of exercises that would aid in easy stretching of the forearm muscles.
• Physical support: Physical support in the form of braces would also be provided to be worn on the forearm. This would help relieve the pressure and stress on the injured tissue [9].

When over the counter medications and physical therapy do not seem to work then surgery may be implicated in such cases. Surgical intervention to remove the damaged tissue is conducted. However, extensive physical therapy would be extremely necessary for recovery.

The prognosis of the condition is favorable with medications and individuals do not always require surgical intervention. However, those who have undergone surgery can fully utilize their elbow and forearm post surgery.

The major cause of tennis elbow is repetitive use of the extensor muscle of the forearm [2]. Such an activity causes muscles strain injury which in turn predisposes an individual to develop tennis elbow. The type of arm motion employed by tennis players, that of the backhand stroke, is known to be the most common cause of tennis elbow. However, the condition can also occur in other types of motions involved while using plumbing tools, driving screws and painting [3].

Tennis elbow is a common condition affecting about 5 in 1000 adults annually. Individuals between the age group of 35 to 55 years more commonly fall prey to the condition. Men and women are equally affected and it is a common occurrence in those with unfit forearm muscles.

Tennis elbow affects about 39.7% of tennis players. Of these, about 50 of them reported their symptoms to be debilitating and severe. The duration of playing tennis is also considered to be an important marker for development of tennis elbow. It has been reported that those players who play for more than 2 hours a day are at an increased risk of developing the condition [4].

Repeated use of the extensor muscles of the forearm causes tennis elbow. When these muscles are repeatedly used then small tear develops in the tendons. The tendons which attach the muscles of the forearm to the bone of the elbow undergo tear as a result of repeated peculiar kind of motion. As the condition progresses, irritation and pain develops at the site of tear.

The condition is a common occurrence amongst tennis players who frequently use the backhand stroke. Activities that involve repeated wrist movements also can lead to tennis elbow [5].

It is not always possible to prevent the development of tennis elbow. Individuals are advised to seek prompt treatment to prevent onset of irreversible damages. When individuals develop tennis elbow they should restrict any movement concerning the forearm and the wrist. Exercises are a great way of strengthening the muscles which can prevent injury to the forearm muscles [10].

In addition to tennis players, the condition also strikes carpenters, plumbers, painters and butchers. This is because such kind of people repeatedly make use of the extensor muscles of the forearm which predisposes them to develop tennis elbow. In majority of the cases, over the counter medications can help relieve the pain caused due to tennis elbow. However, when these do not work, surgery may be indicated [1].

Definition

Tennis elbow is characterized by development of pain in the lateral side of the upper arm. It is a common occurrence amongst tennis players. However, individuals who are in other occupation of painting and carpentry also fall prey to tennis elbow.

Cause

Repeated use of forearm muscles induces stress and causes tear in the tendons that join the muscles to the bone of the elbow. Tennis players develop the condition due to constant use of the backhand stroke while playing tennis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain that originates on the lateral side of the upper arm and radiates down the wrist. Movements become difficult and individuals experience great deal of discomfort while performing activities such as stretching and pulling.

Diagnosis

In many cases, physical examination to study the motion ability of the wrist and forearm is enough for diagnosis. However, imaging studies such as X-rays and MRI can be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Over the counter pain medications along with physical therapy helps in treating the condition. Braces in the form of physical support may also be advised to support the affected area. However, when conservative therapy does not work for more than 6 to 12 months, then surgery may be carried out to remove the damaged tissue.

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