Your symptoms are most likely to be due to a condition known as Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, which results from overuse of the elbow joint. Playing tennis or other racquet sports can cause this condition. However, several other sports and activities can also put you at risk.
Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse — repeating the same motions again and again. This leads to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.
Athletes are not the only people who get tennis elbow. Tennis elbow may also be seen in people who participate in work or recreational activities that require repetitive and vigorous use of the forearm muscle. For example, painters, plumbers, and carpenters are particularly prone to developing tennis elbow. It is thought that the repetition and weight lifting required in these occupations leads to injury.
The majority of people who sustain tennis elbow are between the ages of 30 and 50. In racquet sports like tennis, improper stroke technique and improper equipment may be risk factors.
There are instances where lateral epicondylitis occurs without any obvious repetitive injury. This is called "insidious" or of an unknown cause.
The symptoms of tennis elbow develop gradually. Typically, the pain begins as mild and slowly gets worse over weeks and months. There is usually no specific injury associated with the start of symptoms.
Common signs and symptoms of tennis elbow include:
- Pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow
- Weak grip strength
The symptoms usually get worse with forearm activity, such as holding a racquet, turning a wrench, or shaking hands. Your dominant arm is most often affected; however both arms can be affected.
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