Common Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the outer part of your elbow. It’s not just for tennis players; anyone can develop it, especially those who repeatedly use their forearm and wrist.

The good news is that with the right care, it can often be managed. Let’s look at some of the most common symptoms that signal tennis elbow.

Pain in the Outer Elbow

One of the first signs of tennis elbow is pain on the outer part of your elbow. It may start as a mild discomfort and gradually worsen. The pain is often sharp, and it might feel like a burning sensation when you move your arm.

Activities that involve gripping or twisting, like shaking hands or turning a doorknob, might make the pain more intense.

Weak Grip Strength

Tennis elbow can make your forearm muscles weaker, which in turn affects your grip strength. You may notice that your ability to hold objects, such as a cup or a tennis racket, begins to decline. Even simple tasks like holding a pencil or turning a key may become challenging.

This weakness can be frustrating, as you might feel like you’re not able to perform tasks you once did with ease.

Pain When Extending the Arm

Another symptom of tennis elbow is pain that worsens when you extend your arm. This is particularly noticeable when you try to straighten your arm after a bend. For example, lifting a heavy object or reaching for something on a high shelf might hurt. The pain can be sharp or dull but is usually felt on the outside of the elbow.

Swelling and Tenderness

Some people with tennis elbow experience swelling around the outer elbow. This might not always be visible, but you may feel a tenderness when you press on the area. The tenderness is often a sign of inflammation in the tendons. Even light pressure can feel uncomfortable, which makes daily activities difficult.

Pain that Travels Down the Forearm

In some cases, the pain of tennis elbow isn’t limited to the elbow area. It can travel down the forearm and even reach your wrist. This occurs because the tendons in the elbow are connected to muscles that extend down the forearm.

The pain might start at the elbow and radiate outward, making simple motions like typing or using a mouse painful.

Difficulty with Repetitive Tasks

If you regularly do activities that involve repetitive wrist or arm movements, like gardening, painting, or playing sports, you may notice that the pain intensifies. These repetitive motions cause strain on the tendons in the elbow, which is a major factor in the development of tennis elbow. Over time, the tendons become inflamed and irritated, making simple tasks increasingly difficult.

Conclusion

Tennis elbow is more than just a nuisance; it can significantly affect your daily life. Recognizing the symptoms early is key to preventing further damage and managing the pain effectively. If you experience pain in the outer elbow, weakness in your grip, or discomfort during simple tasks, it’s important to rest your arm and seek treatment.

With proper care and attention, tennis elbow can be managed, allowing you to get back to doing the things you love.