Tennis isn't the only cause of Tennis Elbow!
Tennis Elbow can be brought on by a variety of activities other than tennis, in particular any activities that involve gripping.
Common causes of this condition include:-
- Painting
- Hammering
- Gardening
- Increased computer use such as typing or mouse-work.
Symptoms of Tennis elbow may simply start with tenderness when you touch the bony part on the outside of your elbow, but can progress to elbow and forearm pain on light activities such as picking up a coffee cup. There are a number of causes of this condition including tendinopathy, neck pain and peripheral nerve problems.
If your tennis elbow starts as a local elbow problem & doesn’t get treated early the nerves become sensitised & the neck and thoracic spine may start to contribute to the pain. Physio treatment has been shown to be more effective for Tennis Elbow than an injection.
Tennis elbow was originally thought to be an inflammatory condition (tendinitis) but signs of inflammation are only found occasionally. It may be a tendinopathy with small tears at the musculotendinous junction but that is yet to be shown conclusively.
The way you grip changes which muscles you use and the force on the muscles, so that even picking up a cup of coffee can be done incorrectly and cause pain. Your Physio can teach you how to use your wrist and elbow to get a stronger, painless grip.
If Tennis Elbow is present but goes untreated for an extended period of time it may be difficult to get rid of. However, it is easily treated in the early stages so if you experience such symptoms make sure you seek treatment early.