Serving Up Tips to Avoid Tennis Elbow

The right equipment, exercises help you dodge this disability

(HealthDay is the new name for HealthScoutNews.)

SATURDAY, July 19, 2003 (HealthDayNews) -- Don't let your life get fouled up by tennis elbow. A serving of preparation and planning will net you freedom from that nagging injury.

Tennis elbow -- or lateral epicondyle -- refers to pain at the bony bump on the outside of the elbow, according to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM). The pain is caused by repetitive stress on the muscles connected to the lateral epicondyle.

The pain isn't limited to time spent bashing a ball with a racket. It can flare up with any activity or movement that requires the contraction of these muscles. That includes shaking hands, picking up objects with your palms down, or turning door knobs, health experts say.

Treatment for tennis elbow may include rest, stretching and strengthening exercises, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to increase blood circulation to the area. Other options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or prescription drugs that reduce the irritation caused by the inflammation, the AAOSM says.

Applying ice to the joint after tennis or other activities may decrease inflammation and relieve the pain.

The best way to deal with tennis elbow is to prevent it. The AAOSM offers the following advice:

  • Warm up before you play tennis. Muscles stretch better when they're warm. Keep your muscles warm while you play.
  • Select the proper equipment and maintain it. Stress on your elbow and wrist can be increased by a racquet handle that's too small or big, a racquet that's strung too tightly or loosely, or one that has too big or small a head.
  • Stay in shape for tennis. Stretch and strengthen all the muscles you use while playing. Evaluate your tennis techniques to make sure you're not doing something that causes or irritates tennis elbow.

More information

There's more about tennis elbow at the Yale Sports Medicine Center.

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