Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

Tennis is an excellent way to stay in shape, but playing tennis can cause the development of a painful condition called tennis elbow. Symptoms of tennis elbow are more commonly experienced by enthusiastic tennis players, but the same symptoms can also affect anyone who participates in activities that cause overuse or constant repetitive movements of the forearm. The main symptom is a gradual pain that affects the outer tendons of the elbow, although symptoms of tennis elbow come on suddenly in some people without any warning. Moving the wrist increases the pain in the elbow area.

Typical tennis elbow symptoms

Tennis elbow pain in the outer elbow area is experienced during simple activities, such as brushing the teeth or using a fork when eating a meal. Any activity that involves using the wrist can increase the pain in the tendons of the elbow. Difficulty moving the arm is another symptom. Any swelling around the elbow can also indicate tennis elbow.

There is no test for the diagnosis of tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is diagnosed by the symptoms that are experienced, so it is important to take note of related symptoms to help the physician make a proper diagnosis. There is no available blood test, x-ray or any other type of specific test that helps a doctor diagnose the condition. The physician relies on the symptoms and a basic physical exam. Of course, if the patient frequently plays tennis, the diagnosis is easier, but if the patient is not a tennis player, the diagnosis is more difficult.

Any person who engages in physical activities that involve constant, repetitious movement of the arm is a potential candidate for tennis elbow. This includes simple activities like gardening, because pulling weeds and hoeing require repetitive motions of the arm. A person who suddenly notices unusual pain when doing simple activities that involve the wrist might have the condition known as tennis elbow.