If you have a burning pain on the outside of your elbow and a weakened grip, you might have been told you have "tennis elbow." The funny thing is, you might not even own a tennis racquet!
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a misleading name for a very common and frustrating condition that can affect anyone who uses their hands and arms repetitively.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a painful condition that occurs when the tendons in your elbow are overworked. The muscles that allow you to extend your wrist and open your fingers attach to a bony bump on the outside of your elbow.
When you grip objects tightly or repeat the same wrist motions over and over, it can cause tiny micro-tears in these tendons. Over time, this repetitive stress leads to inflammation and pain that can radiate down your forearm.
The Everyday Culprits
While a poor backhand swing can certainly cause it, everyday activities are often to blame. Plumbers, painters, carpenters, and butchers are highly susceptible. Even repetitive typing, intense mouse usage, gardening, or knitting can trigger the inflammation.
Getting Your Grip Back at Thrive Orthopedics
A weakened grip can make everyday tasks—like opening a jar, turning a doorknob, or holding a coffee cup—agonizing. Ignoring tennis elbow rarely works; it often requires a proactive approach to heal properly.
At Thrive Orthopedics, our goal is to heal the tendon and prevent the pain from coming back. When you come in for an assessment, we will evaluate your elbow and your daily activities. We develop treatment strategies that may include specialized bracing to rest the tendon, targeted therapies to promote blood flow and healing, and specific exercises to strengthen the muscles of your forearm.
Don't let elbow pain weaken your grip on life. Contact Thrive Orthopedics today for a thorough evaluation, and let us help you heal.
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