Tennis Elbow: A Painful Condition Affecting the Elbow Joint

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and discomfort in the outer part of the elbow joint. It occurs when the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the elbow become damaged, leading to inflammation, swelling, and difficulty in bending or straightening the elbow. ????

The condition usually develops gradually, starting with mild pain that intensifies over time. If the tendon on the outer side of the elbow is affected, it's called lateral epicondylitis or "tennis elbow." ???? On the other hand, if the inner side is affected, it's referred to as medial epicondylitis or "golfer's elbow."

Tennis elbow is believed to be caused by repetitive stress on the muscles, which weakens them and causes tiny tears in the tendon where it attaches to the inner side of the elbow. That's why this problem affects almost half of all tennis players!

However, tennis elbow isn't just limited to sports. It can also develop in people due to their professional activities, especially those involving repetitive movements like extending the forearm and rotating it outward. In some cases, an injury can also trigger this condition.

If you're experiencing pain in your elbow, it's essential to consult an orthopedic doctor. Treatment for tennis elbow is usually conservative, involving rest, immobilization, physical therapy, and exercise.

Don't let tennis elbow keep you from enjoying your favorite activities! With proper care and treatment, you can get back to swinging that racket or club in no time!