Do you have to play tennis to have “tennis elbow”?
The answer is ‘no.’ Although tennis elbow commonly affects tennis players, it also affects other athletes and non-athletes! Someone who is involved in activities requiring repetitive arm, elbow, or wrist movement. Tennis elbow is caused by an inflammation of the tendons surrounding the elbow, especially near the forearm area. Other activities that can lead to the development of tennis elbow includes golfing, playing basketball, gardening, sweeping, vacuuming, or scrubbing.
Symptoms:
- Tenderness over lateral elbow
- Pain with gripping (ex. shaking hands)
- Pain with wrist movements or extensions (ex. turning door knobs, pouring from a pitcher)
- Morning stiffness
Treatment:
- Rest and ice the injury
- Avoid aggravating activities
- Exercises to stretch and strengthen forearm muscles and tendons
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication and cortisone injections
- Use braces and support on affected elbow and tendons
If pain continues and does not subside, call Fagan Sports Medicine for an appointment: 205.879.8206
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