Tennis elbow is a common injury among athletes, especially those involved in repetitive motions such as racquet sports like tennis. Tennis elbow occurs when tendons become inflamed due to overuse. Symptoms include pain in the forearm, wrist, hand, and fingers. There are many causes of tennis elbow including poor technique, muscle imbalance, and improper use of protective gear.

Most cases of tennis elbow occur because of overuse. However, sometimes it happens because of trauma. In either case, it's important to treat the problem early before it becomes chronic.

In this post, let's look at the various causes and symptoms of tennis elbow injury.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

The truth about tennis elbow is that there are many things that might lead to this type of injury. Some of those potential causes include stress fractures, repetitive motion and muscle imbalances. However, the exact reason someone gets a tennis elbow isn't always clear. So, while some cases of tennis elbow seem to occur because of external factors such as genetics, others are completely random.

Overuse or Repetitive Strain

Tennis elbow is a condition that can be caused by repetitive stress on the elbow joint. This can come from playing tennis, doing activities that involve a lot of bending and twisting, or even using the hand too much in general.

Sports Injuries

Tennis elbow is a problem that can occur in any sport, but it is especially common in tennis. The most common cause of tennis elbow is improper technique. When you play tennis, you use your arm and hand to hit the ball. The muscles in your arm and hand work together to hit the ball, and if you use the wrong muscles, you can cause tennis elbow.

Another common cause of tennis elbow is bad shoes. Tennis shoes are important because they provide support for your feet and ankle. Shoes that are too tight can cause pain and inflammation in your feet and ankle.

When you change surfaces, your muscles may become accustomed to the new conditions and be more susceptible to injury.

Poor Posture

Poor posture includes slouching while sitting, leaning forward while typing, and hunching over while playing sports. To prevent tennis elbow, try to maintain proper posture while working at a computer, standing, or walking. Avoid prolonged periods of sitting, especially while driving. Also, avoid activities that require extreme hand positions, such as gripping items tightly. Finally, consult a doctor if the pain is persistent.

Weak Muscles

Tennis elbow is caused by repetitive motions over long periods of time. Weak muscles can lead to tightness in the forearm and wrist, causing pain and discomfort.

While the exact cause of tennis elbow isn't always known, there are several symptoms that tend to accompany this condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms of tennis elbow typically develop slowly and worsen gradually. Pain is felt along the outside edge of the elbow, near the shoulder. Swelling and stiffness develops around the affected area. Loss of flexibility in the forearm is another symptom associated with tennis elbow.

The most common symptom is a sudden sharp pain in the upper arm near the shoulder joint. You might also notice swelling and bruising around the elbow area. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Your doctor may suggest imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to determine whether there is a tear or strain in the muscle tissue surrounding the tendon. These tests can show whether there is fluid buildup inside the tendon sheath, indicating a possible infection. You might be prescribed anti-inflammatory medication by your doctor if he thinks that there is too much inflammation going on. Physical therapy treatments can help strengthen weak muscles and restore range of motion.