Understanding Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment by Dr. Vinayakumaraswamy

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow refers to pain experienced on the outer part of your elbow. Interestingly, when this pain occurs on the inner side of the elbow, it’s called golfer’s elbow. But do you need to play tennis to develop tennis elbow?

The answer is no. In fact, most of my patients are homemakers who struggle with daily activities like wringing out clothes or stirring food. These tasks can lead to discomfort and pain due to strain on the elbow muscles.

Why Does Tennis Elbow Occur?

Tennis elbow occurs due to a tear in a specific muscle of the forearm called the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB).

This condition can arise from:

• Overuse: Repeated stress or overwork of the muscles.
• Vitamin deficiencies: These can weaken muscles, making them prone to tears even during routine activities.

How Is Tennis Elbow Treated?

Treatment typically follows a step-by-step approach:

• Medications: To manage pain and inflammation.
• Physiotherapy: Exercises and techniques to strengthen the muscles and reduce strain.
• Supportive devices: Special elbow braces or belts designed for tennis elbow patients.
• Injections: If the above methods don’t bring relief, injections can be considered to alleviate symptoms.
• Arthroscopic surgery: As a last resort, a minimally invasive surgery is performed to address the muscle tear and relieve the condition.

Key Takeaway

Tennis elbow is not limited to athletes—it commonly affects individuals engaged in repetitive elbow movements, including homemakers and office workers. Early intervention with medications, physiotherapy, and supportive devices can often resolve the issue. Surgery is rarely needed and reserved for persistent cases.

If you’re experiencing elbow pain, consult a specialist to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

 Dr. Vinayakumaraswamy |  Fortis Hospital, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru