Tennis elbow
Overview
Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow. It usually goes away with rest but can sometimes last over a year. There are treatments that can help if needed.
Symptoms
Pain on outside of elbow; pain when gripping/twisting.
Causes
Tennis elbow is where the tendons in your elbow become inflamed. Tendons are strong cords that connect muscle to bone. You can get tennis elbow if you do activities that involve gripping something and repeatedly twisting your wrist and forearm. Activities that can cause tennis elbow include: computer work, such as typing or using a mousemanual tasks, such as sewing or using a screwdriverleisure activities, such as tennis or playing a musical instrument Anyone can get tennis elbow but it's more common in people between 35 and 54 years of age.
Treatment
Tennis elbow usually gets better after resting your arm for a few weeks, but it can sometimes last longer. A GP may give you anti-inflammatory tablets. They may also refer you forphysiotherapyif your symptoms have not improved after trying treatments at home for 6 weeks. Physiotherapy treatments may include: massagestretching and strengthening exercises for your wrist and forearmultrasound therapy – where high-frequency sound waves are used to increase blood flow, which can reduce pain and speed up healing Surgery may be an option if you still have tennis elbow after 6 to 12 months.
Prevention
Avoid repetitive strain; Take breaks; Correct technique involved.
When to see a doctor
See GP if: severe pain; restricts daily life; or doesn't improve.