Despite its name, tennis elbow isn’t just a condition that affects tennis players. In fact, most people who develop tennis elbow have never picked up a tennis racket. This common overuse injury can affect anyone whose job, hobbies, or daily activities involve repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist movements. Repeated stress on the tendons around your elbow can lead to pain that gradually worsens over time. Left untreated, tennis elbow can make even simple tasks, like opening a jar, shaking hands, carrying groceries, or lifting a coffee mug, painful. The good news is that most cases improve with conservative treatment, especially when addressed early. Here’s what causes tennis elbow, the symptoms to watch for, and how you can prevent and treat this common injury.
For same-day tennis elbow treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer. Our clinic is open 7 days a week and provides rapid injury diagnosis and treatment. Simply walk in or plan your visit in advance below.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that affects the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. These tendons help you grip objects, lift items, extend your wrist, and rotate your forearm. Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the tendon over time. As these small injuries accumulate, the tendon becomes inflamed and irritated, resulting in pain and reduced strength. Although tennis players can certainly develop the condition, only a small percentage of cases are actually related to playing tennis.
The most common symptom is pain on the outside of the elbow, which may start as mild discomfort and become more noticeable over time. Other symptoms include:
- Tenderness on the outside of the elbow
- Pain that worsens when gripping or lifting objects
- Weak grip strength
- Difficulty opening jars
- Pain when shaking hands
- Pain while turning a doorknob
- Discomfort lifting a cup
- Pain that radiates down the forearm
Symptoms often begin after repetitive activity and may become worse with continued use. Many people notice the pain becomes more noticeable during work, sports, or household chores that involve repeated wrist movements.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow develops from repetitive movements, rather than a single traumatic injury. Common causes of this condition include:
- Playing tennis or racquet sports
- Golfing
- Weightlifting
- Painting
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
- Gardening
- Repetitive lifting at work
- Using hand tools for extended periods
Poor technique during sports or repetitive work can increase stress on the tendons and raise your risk of injury. People between the ages of 30 and 50 are most commonly affected, but tennis elbow can occur at almost any age.
How is Tennis Elbow Treated?
Most people recover without surgery, although healing can take several weeks or even months depending on the severity of the injury. Treatment may include:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing or temporarily avoiding activities that trigger pain allows the injured tendon time to heal. This doesn’t necessarily mean complete immobilization but rather modifying repetitive movements that worsen symptoms.
- Ice: Applying an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day can help reduce pain and inflammation, particularly after activity.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs may help reduce pain and inflammation for some people when used as directed.
- Bracing: A brace of forearm strap may reduce stress on the injured tendon during activity and provide symptom relief.
- Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises are effective long-term treatments for tennis elbow.
How Can You Prevent Tennis Elbow?
Although not every case can be prevented, reducing repetitive strain can significantly lower your risk. Helpful prevention strategies include:
- Warm up before sports or repetitive activities
- Strengthen your forearm, wrist, and shoulder muscles
- Use proper technique during sports and exercise
- Take regular breaks during repetitive work
- Improve your workstation ergonomics if you work at a computer
- Use tools with comfortable grips
- Gradually increase activity levels
Listening to your body and addressing mild elbow pain early can often prevent it from becoming a more significant injury.
Get Same-Day Tennis Elbow Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer
Tennis elbow is a common overuse injury that can affect anyone, not just athletes. Repetitive gripping, lifting, typing, or using hand tools can all place stress on the tendons of the elbow, leading to pain, weakness, and difficulty performing everyday activities. Fortunately, most cases improve with early treatment. If your elbow pain isn’t getting better, continues to worsen, or is affecting your ability to work or enjoy your favorite activities, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer. Prompt evaluation and treatment can help relieve your pain, promote healing, and get you back to doing what you enjoy. No appointment required! We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for any self-paying patient. If you have any additional questions about tennis elbow treatment, or other services we provide, please contact our medical team directly at (303) 733-4000.