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What is tennis elbow: symptoms, causes and treatment
If you've ever felt a sharp pain in your elbow after a match or an intense training session, you may be experiencing the dreaded tennis elbow. Also known as lateral epicondylitis, this injury is one of the most common among tennis players and other racket sports athletes.
At M1 Tennis, we are specialists in tennis and player care. Therefore, through our daily experience advising athletes in our store and on our test court, we explain what epicondylitis is, what its most common symptoms are, what causes it and how to treat it effectively.
What is lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the elbow bone.
In tennis, this injury appears due to continuous and excessive use of the forearm muscles when hitting the ball, generating microtraumas in the forearm extensor tendons. Understanding what it is and how it occurs is the first step to preventing and treating it correctly.
Main symptoms of tennis elbow
The symptoms of tennis elbow usually develop progressively, starting with mild discomfort that can turn into constant pain. The most common are:
- Pain on the outside of the elbow: this is the main symptom of tennis elbow injury, and it can radiate to the forearm or wrist.
- Elbow and wrist pain when making extension or gripping movements.
- Tenderness to touch: the lateral epicondyle becomes inflamed and hurts when pressed.
- Weakness in the forearm: making it difficult to hold objects or keep the racket firm.
- Discomfort when moving the wrist or rotating the forearm: especially when performing a backhand stroke.
Recognizing these signs early is key to starting effective treatment and preventing the injury from becoming chronic.
Causes and risk factors of the injury
Elbow epicondylitis is the result of repetitive overload that generates small tears in the forearm tendons. The most common causes are:
- Repetitive movements: continuous tennis strokes increase tension on the tendon.
- Incorrect racket grip: using a grip that is too small or gripping too tightly increases pressure on the muscles.
- Overexertion and lack of rest: training without sufficient breaks delays tendon tissue recovery.
- Inadequate technique: incorrect execution when hitting, especially on the backhand, multiplies the risk of injury.
- Poorly adapted racket: inadequate weight or balance can aggravate the injury.
Paying attention to these causes helps prevent the appearance of this very common elbow injury in racket players.
Diagnosis of tennis elbow
The diagnosis of elbow injury is based on physical examination and the player's clinical history. The specialist will evaluate grip strength, range of motion and the exact location of the pain. In persistent cases, an ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to confirm the degree of tendon inflammation and confirm the diagnosis. Detecting the injury early allows for more effective treatment and reduced recovery times.
Effective treatment for tennis elbow
The treatment of tennis elbow must be personalized according to the severity of the injury and the type of player. At M1 Tennis, we offer personalized advice and solutions to adapt sports equipment—racket, strings and tension—to each case, reducing the load on the tendon and improving recovery.
Physiotherapy and recommended exercises
The cornerstone of elbow epicondylitis treatment is physiotherapy. Through strengthening and stretching exercises, muscle function is recovered and tendon resistance is improved. For this treatment it is crucial to consult a physiotherapist to design an exercise plan adapted to the level of pain and recovery stage.
Medications and complementary therapies
Anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications can help relieve pain, although they should be combined with rest and controlled physical work. Supports such as elbow braces that relieve the tendon and improve circulation are also recommended. These accessories fit comfortably on the forearm, offering protection without limiting mobility.
Exercises to relieve pain and strengthen the elbow
Performing specific exercises is key both to relieve elbow pain and to prevent future injuries. Among the most effective are gentle wrist flexion and extension stretches, which help maintain mobility and reduce stiffness, and forearm muscle strengthening exercises, which increase tendon resistance and improve arm control. Practicing them regularly allows you to recover strength in the affected area and facilitates a safe return to sports activity.
Prevention and tips to avoid tennis elbow
The best way to treat tennis elbow is to prevent its occurrence. To do this, follow these recommendations:
- Use a racket or paddle appropriate to your level: weight, balance and stiffness should be adapted to your playing style.
- Maintain correct technique: a balanced stroke reduces the load on the forearm.
- Do a good warm-up: prepare your muscles and tendons before playing.
- Avoid overtraining: rest between sessions and listen to your body's signals.
- Use biomechanical sleeves: they help reduce vibrations that cause inflammation and injuries, protecting and supporting the elbow and forearm.
- Check your grip and strings: an inadequate grip or tension can aggravate the injury.
At M1 Tennis we help you find the best combination of racket and accessories with professional advice to prevent and relieve. Our technical team can analyze your playing style and offer you personalized solutions so you can play pain-free and with better performance.