Millions of Americans suffer from repetitive stress (or strain) injuries that are generally caused by overuse. Most affect the arms and result in chronic pain or discomfort that requires regular treatment. Tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome are probably the most common conditions that can be attributed to this group of injuries. Some are even named after their primary sufferers, such a golf or tennis elbow. The proper medical term for the latter is lateral epicondylitis, since the injury causes inflammation in the outer part of the elbow, the epicondyle.

A hinge joint, the elbow is the place where three long bones meet - the ulna, the humerus, and radius. The biceps and the triceps are the major muscles that help move the elbow hinge. But the stability they provide is not based on muscles alone. There are also tendons that connect the muscles to the bones, and they are far more likely to sustain an injury if you repeat a specific motion or movement over and over again.

As you may have guessed, lateral epicondylitis is more commonly known as tennis elbow because it affects a disproportionate number of tennis players. According to sports therapists, about 50 percent of professional tennis players suffer from the disorder. Most play through the pain only to end up with chronic injuries that cut their careers short. Several legendary players have retired early because of so-called €elbow issues,€ which is almost always code word for tennis elbow.

What causes it?

Human joints are not designed to repeat the same motion thousands of times each day. When we put too much stress on our joints, they often begin to ache from overuse. Tennis players not only complete the same motions thousands of times each day, they often do it with only one hand. The stress that they put on their elbows with forehands, backhands, and serves eventually wears their joints down and results in damage to either the tendons or muscles or both.

What is tennis elbow as a medical condition?

Although surgery may be an option in extreme cases, most tennis elbow treatments involve rest and relaxation. The affected arm is technically suffering from overuse and most be rested, or it will never heal. The discomfort or pain will only grow worse over time. Patients should avoid any motion that aggravates their injury, which typically includes moving the wrist with force. A person who seeks a tennis elbow cure would be wise to refrain from opening jars, using tools, eating with utensils, and even shaking hands. And tennis? Tennis should be off limits until the injury heals completely.

Diagnosis

Only about 5 percent of all tennis elbow cases are attributed to actually playing tennis. Most are the result of repetitive, forceful motions that are carried out with great frequency. Factory workers, landscapers, housecleaners, and mechanics are just a few of the workers who are at an elevated risk of later epicondylitis. The condition is usually diagnosed through a physical examination and may be treated without surgery.

Tennis elbow cures

Sadly, there are none. However, there are dozens of topical solutions that can reduce pain, including cortisone gels and topical anti-inflammatories. But the most reliable tennis elbow cure, or at least treatment, is physical therapy. Certain exercises can be used to strengthen affected and surrounding muscles and tendons. It may not be a tried-and-true tennis elbow cure, but it should allow you to return to the sport or activities you love without painful symptoms and side effects. Braces and wraps can also help prevent further aggravation of existing injuries.