The tissue connecting muscle to the bone is called a tendon. The outside of your elbow has such tendons. Repeated motions like swinging a hammer, turning a plumber's wrench, or playing tennis may cause damage and inflammation of the tendon. Or an injury or abrupt forceful movement of the arm can also produce these tears. The result is tenderness from the elbow down the arm and is known has tennis elbow. The designation derives from the fact that a lot of tennis players acquire the condition from swinging a racket. Lateral epicondylitis is the proper name for the condition.

Tennis elbow is irritation, tenderness and pain the length of the elbow muscles. The tenderness continues the length of the arm and reaches the back of the hand. Bending the wrist backwards, squeezing a fist or rotate the hand palm up results in discomfort. The condition makes it tricky to take hold of and pick up stuff. You may have trouble holding a cup of coffee, shaking hands or turning a handle.

Tennis elbow is most often diagnosed by an examination of the elbow. Tenderness of the tendon when prodded is main signal. The doctor may take x-rays in order to rule out other conditions.

You can put ice on a tennis elbow injury after it happens. You want to wrap the ice in a towel so it does not touch bare skin. Ice should be used for twenty minutes at a time. You can apply ice for the first 24 hours after an injury. You may find anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen helpful.

Physical therapy, Arm braces and corticosteriod shots are common treatments for tennis elbow. Severe cases may require surgery to reattach the tendon. The success rate of the surgery and regaining use of the arm is ninety percent or better of patients.

This information does not constitute medical advice or a medical diagnosis. Please check with a medical professional. Visit emergency medical personnel upon injury.