Tennis elbow off the court

Q: I have pain on the outside of my elbow that gets worse when I use the computer or work with my hands. My doctor said it’s tennis elbow. But I don’t play tennis or any sports. Is this possible? A: Yes, absolutely. “Tennis elbow” is a term we used to refer to tendinitis that affects the muscles of the forearm as they connect to the bone knob on the outside of the elbow. This knob is called lateral epicondyle, and the medical term for this condition is Lateral Epicondylitis. Patients complain of pain and tenderness in the bony knob of the elbow that radiates down the forearm and gets worse with activities that involve repetitive wrist and finger motion.

The underlying cause is microscopic tears or damage to the tendon. Due to ongoing activity, the body is not able to heal at the same rate as that repetitive use is causing ongoing damage. Therefore the condition becomes chronic, leading to degeneration of the tendon tissue.

The severity of his condition goes from mild, occasional aching to severe debilitating pain. Treatment options range from therapy and rest to injections and minimally invasive procedures. If selected appropriately according to condition’s severity, these treatments are usually very effective in controlling symptoms and achieving tendon healing. If elbow pain is holding you back, consult your hand specialist and learn your options. Getting relief might be easier than you think.