Tennis Elbow - An Introduction

Tennis Elbow is one of the most widespread, and annoying, injuries out there. We all know someone who has suffered from it, or have suffered from it ourselves. With as many as one in three of us suffering from this painful condition at some point, it is a good idea to know how best to prevent it or, failing that, treat it.

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis Elbow is a condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow. Technically it is also known as Epicondylitits. Tennis Elbow often occurs as a result of strenuous overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, near the elbow joint. Therefore repeating the same motions over and over with your forearm can make you susceptible to the condition, which results in inflammation, pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. 

How does this happen?

The tendons in your elbow control the muscles in your forearm, so when these muscles are overused for whatever reason it can lead to soreness and discomfort. As the name suggests, tennis players can suffer from this condition due to the constant training they undertake. It is equally common in day to day life though, and is widespread among labourers who hold a tool of some kind, or musicians such as violinists who repeat the same motions on a regular basis. 

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Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow

If the injury is caused by a strenuous or repetitive injury, you should try and avoid the activity until the symptoms improve. If left long enough, the condition will eventually get better without treatment. For those who need to continue the activity for their livelihood, though, there are measures which can improve symptoms.

Over-the-counter products such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can give some degree of relief from pain. If the condition is more severe and persistent it might be a good idea to consult a physiotherapist, who can massage and manipulate the affected area, which may reduce symptoms and allow a greater range of movement in the arm. 

As with many such injuries of the muscles and joints, applying ice to the affected area is a great way to reduce pain and swelling. If you don't want the inconvenience of having to constantly hold an ice pack or bag of peas to your elbow, you might want to consider the Aircast Cryo Elbow Cuff, which features automated compression and cold therapy.

What Products can Help with Tennis Elbow?

There are a range of products which can help lessen the effects of tennis elbow and allow you to continue your sport or career pain-free. For support, compression and pain-relief try the Donjoy Condilax Elastic Elbow Support, which can help lessen symptoms.

Improving your forearm strength through resistance exercises is also a great way to lessen the risk of tennis elbow. The Escape Fitness GRIPR, for example, can help with both grip and forearm strength, which will make you more suited to the tasks that previously may have caused discomfort. You could also try rotating your wrist with a light dumbell to strengthen your wrist and forearms, or doing reverse biceps curls.  

Think Sport stocks a range of weights for rehabilitation from Tennis Elbow to help you get on the mend, see the full selection at our online store.