Elbow pain: not just “tennis elbow”
Elbow pain when gripping, lifting or during everyday activities.
Elbow pain is far more common than people think, and not only among tennis players - repetitive movements in everyday work with a computer or tools can irritate the tendons just as much.
Elbow pain is far more common than people think, and not only among tennis players. Repetitive movements of the wrist and forearm - typing, lifting loads, working with tools - can irritate the tendons that attach at the elbow and cause inflammation and pain. Many of the patients who come to me are surprised to discover that they aren’t athletes at all, and that this pain can develop simply from everyday work at the computer or with their hands.
The common causes
Repetitive load on the forearm muscles is the leading cause - any movement repeated again and again, even a small one, can irritate the tendons over time. Faulty movement during exercise, such as gripping a racket or a dumbbell too tightly, passes excess load into the elbow instead of the large muscles that are meant to absorb it. Sitting for long periods with the hand in an unnatural position at the keyboard or mouse accumulates through the day without our noticing. And a lack of warm-up before physical effort leaves the tendons less prepared for sudden load.
What helps bring relief?
Relative rest from the movement that hurts - not necessarily a week in a cast, but avoiding the specific movement that triggers the pain. Gentle stretches for the forearm muscles help release the tension building up around the tendons. And gradual strengthening once the initial inflammation settles is the stage most people rush - which is exactly what causes recurrence. An ergonomic change at your workstation can prevent the pain from coming back after it has already gone.
If the pain increases specifically when you grip an object and lift it (a coffee cup or a kettle, for instance), that is a helpful pointer for the assessment - worth telling me at the first appointment.
When should you seek treatment?
- The pain doesn’t improve after a few days of rest
- There is weakness in your grip or when lifting objects
- The pain radiates into the forearm or the hand
- The pain returns every time you go back to activity
- There is noticeable swelling around the elbow
- Repetitive load on the forearm muscles, gripping too tightly during exercise and sitting for long periods with the hand in an unnatural position are the leading causes.
- Pain that increases when gripping and lifting objects (such as a coffee cup) points the assessment in a useful direction.
- Gradual strengthening once the initial inflammation settles is the stage most people rush - and that is exactly what causes recurrence.
Not sure if this is your situation? I’d be happy to give you a professional assessment and build a treatment plan that fits you.
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