World’s No 1 ace Murray is unlikely to be troubled by tennis elbow

IT’S not often a Scot reaches No 1 in the world in any sport so it’s great to see Andy Murray topping the tennis rankings.

Murray is exceptionally fit. He has coaches and physios who make sure he’s not affected by conditions like tennis elbow.

This ailment is more likely to afflict amateurs or those returning to the sport – and in most cases it’s nothing to do with tennis.

The outer side of the elbow – the bumpy bit called the lateral epicondyle – becomes strained due to the overuse of forearm muscles.

It can be caused by any activity which puts pressure on that area. DIY, especially using a screwdriver, is a common cause, while activities as innocuous as gardening or wringing clothes can also prompt problems.

Even parents repeatedly picking up their baby might find themselves with tennis elbow.

And working in any trade which involves repeated gripping and twisting, such as joinery or plastering, leads to an increased risk.

I can diagnose tennis elbow in the surgery simply by getting the patient to twist and flex their wrist, which will bring on pain in the lateral epicondyle area.

At worst the pain will keep the patient awake – but mostly they just find it painful to move their arm in a certain way.

Opening jars, for instance, or even something as gentle as writing.

Avoiding activities which cause pain is a good idea, but it can take a few months to clear up.

If someone can’t do their job as a result of tennis elbow then we’ll try to get them a fast-tracked physio appointment.

There are other options for treatment including steroid injections and anti-inflammatories but physiotherapy usually yields the best results.