Tennis elbow as it is often called is not just an injury caused by tennis. This injury took on its name because it was often reported by tennis players. The manner in which tennis players repeatedly struck the ball resulted in increased strain of the forearm muscles that attached at the outer point of the elbow. The force of striking the ball in combination with a strong grip on the racket resulted in pain. Thus its name – Tennis Elbow.
More appropriately though it should be called lateral epicondylalgia, meaning lateral elbow pain.
This is because this condition is not just something dealt with by tennis players. It can become an issue for individuals who repeatedly perform any strong gripping/twisting maneuvers, occupations involving holding something that vibrates, heavy manual labor, and even typing all day (yes you read that correctly- typing).
How can that be that typing can cause this pain?
Well…the position of the hands/forearms repeating the same action over and over, day after day can result in increased strain to these muscles. These muscles are active all day long for any activity that involves, hand or finger movements.
Don’t believe me?
Place your hands like they would be typing on a computer. Now place your left fingers on the outer edge of your right elbow to feel the muscles I am talking about. Next, simulate typing to feel those muscles move. Now that you know what muscles we are talking about, try doing some activity (any activity) that involves your hands and see if it is possible to do without those muscles working.
Please let me know if you find that activity you can do with your hands but without those muscles.
Now it may be easier to understand that once this area becomes irritated how it can sometimes linger.
The Good News Is, Tennis Elbow or Lateral Epicondylalgia can be treated rather successfully. If this is something you are struggling with and would like some help, please click on the following link HERE to take the 1st steps to feeling better.