Tennis Elbow Causes, Symptoms And Treatments

Tennis elbow is a repetitive motion injury as specific to the avid tennis player as carpal tunnel syndrome is to a word processing, computer-bound clerical worker. Tennis elbow symptoms are simply chronic pain during game play because of tendon damage, also called lateral epicondylitis. These tennis elbow symptoms should be taken seriously as this disorder should not be confused with a stress fracture, or more serious nerve damage.

The constant jarring that occurs during repeatedly slamming the tennis racket incorrectly into the ball results in inflammation that is called tennis elbow. Tennis elbow treatment can be as simple as learning better game posture, such as straightening the wrist and improving stroke techniques. With the aim of prevention, a good tennis coach is as helpful in this instance as a sports doctor. Most of this pain is the result of hitting the ball too hard and with a racket that is too heavy and with the wrong size grip.

Additionally, the player who doesn't stay loose will injure himself over time. Constantly grasping the racket as though it might escape will cause unnecessary tension. Learning to hit from the shoulder should save some stress to the hands, wrists, forearm, elbow and biceps. Most players will find that staying loose and investing in a graphite tennis racket will result in a lower likelihood of developing tennis elbow in the first place. Wearing appropriate wrist or elbow guards can help, if only to remind the player to use the arm in the proper configuration.

Some tennis pros will teach a series of tennis elbow exercises meant to prevent or treat tennis elbow symptoms. As with many other common muscle or joint injuries, the goal is to strengthen the opposing muscles. Circuit training machines will help to strengthen most of the upper body and the arms. Tricep curls will strengthen the back of the arm while bicep exercises will condition the upper arm.When these muscles are strong, there is less chance that the jarring will be absorbed by the elbow structures.

In general, it is best to shift any exertion to the larger muscle rather than the smaller one, just as when lifting it is advised to use the thighs rather than the back. Don't rely on the wrist to absorb the shock of a backhand shot. Use the stronger muscles or even support the stroke by using two hands.

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