Tennis Elbow Specialist
in Lexington, KY

The primary symptom of tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. This pain may radiate into the forearm and wrist, mainly when performing specific movements such as gripping, lifting, or bending the arm. The pain often worsens when you attempt to grasp small objects, shake hands, or turn a doorknob.

Another common symptom of tennis elbow is weakness in the forearm, especially when trying to hold or lift objects. You may notice that once easy activities, such as lifting a cup or opening a jar, become difficult due to the reduced strength in the affected arm. Additionally, some individuals experience stiffness in the elbow, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

In more severe cases, the pain can become constant, affecting your ability to carry out routine tasks and leading to discomfort even at rest. If you are experiencing persistent pain, weakness, or difficulty using your arm, seeking medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment is essential.

Tennis elbow is typically caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the tendons that connect to the lateral epicondyle, the bony bump on the outer part of the elbow. Repeated movements such as playing tennis, painting, using hand tools, or typing can strain these tendons, resulting in small tears and inflammation.

While tennis elbow is commonly associated with sports like tennis or racquetball, it can also develop in non-athletes due to their daily activities or occupations. Carpenters, plumbers, chefs, and office workers are at a higher risk of developing tennis elbow because of the repetitive motions involved in their work.

In some cases, the exact cause of the condition is unclear, and tennis elbow may develop without a clear history of overuse. Other contributing factors, such as poor technique in sports or improper posture during work, can also lead to increased strain on the tendons.