The medical term tennis elbow is a condition wherein there is an increased tenderness on the tendons of the elbow area. It is otherwise known as Lateral Epicondylitis. The job of the tendons is to attach the muscles to the bones so that the bones will be able to move during the contraction or resting of the muscles. The cause is generally believed to be due to excessive use leading to injuries and tears on the tendon itself. All people who have elbows are at risk of having tennis elbow. But there is an increased risk for people whose jobs require a lot of hand labor. Manual laborers are those who get tennis elbow frequently like the plumbers, carpenters and painters. Since it is basically their job everyday to do manual labor, it is inevitable for them to refrain using their hands. The constant straining and stretching of the tendons may create microscopic scars and may lead to injury. When this happens, the pain receptors situated in that localized are heightened bringing pain and discomfort to the affected individual. People who play sports, especially racquet sports are also susceptible in getting tennis elbow. From the name itself, it is very common to people who plays tennis specially those who play professionally. The training for tennis itself might actually injure the tendons and may create inflammation over time. Golfers and fencers are also at risk of having this since their sports also require a lot of movement in the arm and elbow areas.
For the people with tennis elbow, the pain they are experiencing is usually felt at the elbow area. There is pain when they try to lift an object. Sometimes, it is even painful when they simply grasp or get hold of an object. Twisting the doorknob will seem to be a very difficult task and shaking hands with someone will bring pain to the person’s arm. Although tennis players are at risk of getting this condition, there are definitely ways on how to prevent it. A tennis player must improve his or her backhand technique. The racket grip must also be of appropriate size. A grip that is too small may cause this condition. The racket strings must not be too tight so that the pressure will not radiate to the arm as high as it would have. Strings that are looser can bend and absorb the pressure of the ball correctly. It is also not advised to play tennis with wet balls. Wet balls have a lot of water in them and this increases the weight of the ball, adding more strain to the elbows if you push it too hard.
When tennis elbow occurs, the person should immediately rest the affected elbow and apply an ice pack to relieve swelling and pain. A brace can be used to limit further movement and you should have a doctor take a look at your arm. The physician might prescribe pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs together with rehabilitation to improve muscle movement. But once again, tennis elbow can be prevented as long as you take care of your body very well.