What Movements Should I Avoid With Tennis Elbow?

The adult body has 360 joints within the body. The anatomical definition of a joint is the area where two bones/skeletal components come together in a way that allows movement. Three bones come together to make up the elbow: the humerus, the radius, and the ulna. The elbow is susceptible to injuries, especially if you are an athlete, constantly use your elbows, or have a job that requires constant use of the elbow, such as a painter. Lateral Epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is an elbow condition characterized by pain due to repeated wrist and elbow movements. The name came from Mr. Henry Morris after he called the pain in his elbow “lawn tennis arm” after a game of tennis. The name evolved to be known as tennis elbow. The name tennis elbow is somewhat misleading because you do not have to be an athlete to develop this condition. This condition can be excruciating, and it is essential to understand that you do not have to suffer. The New York Sports Medicine Institute offers treatment options for a condition like tennis elbow. Our Sports Medicine in Manhattan will help get you back to feeling pain-free. Continue reading to learn more about tennis elbow and how we can help. 

Symptoms And Causes Of Tennis Elbow

The most common symptom associated with tennis elbow is pain or weakness in the outer portion of the elbow. Pain occurs here because this is where the elbow’s tendons connect to the bone. The pain associated with this condition can also radiate down to your wrist. 

Risk factors can make someone more susceptible to developing tennis elbow. While tennis elbow can affect people of all ages, those between 30 and 50 are more susceptible to developing the condition. At these ages, we are active and using our arms and elbows for activities in our daily lives. Additionally, specific careers can make you more prone to developing tennis elbow. For example, plumbers, carpenters, and chefs utilize their arms daily to do their job. Using the wrist and arm a significant amount daily can make people with these occupations more likely to develop tennis elbow. If you are an athlete that plays sports like tennis, you are also prone to developing tennis elbow due to the continued use of your arm and elbow while playing. Tennis elbow can be debilitating and can impact your work and daily life. Our Sports Medicine in Manhattan is here to help relieve your tennis elbow symptoms. 

Treatment Options: Sports Medicine in Manhattan

In most cases, our Sports Medicine in Manhattan will be able to diagnose your tennis elbow through a physical exam and knowledge of your medical history. There are various treatment options for those struggling with tennis elbow. The most common is starting physical therapy. Physical therapy can help strengthen the area to relieve the pain over time. Injections such as platelet-rich plasma have proven beneficial for some patients. In some cases where the pain is not relieved through less invasive procedures, our Sports Medicine in Manhattan providers may recommend surgery to remove the damaged tissue in the elbow.

Movements To Avoid

It is vital to see our providers if you believe you may have tennis elbow. There are treatment options available for you to help relieve your pain. You can also do some things on your own to prevent pain if you can’t be seen by a doctor immediately. Some movements trigger pain in the elbow. Here are a few movements you should try to avoid to prevent pain associated with tennis elbow: 

• Avoid playing sports, as this can worsen the pain. 
• Gripping objects can lead to radiating and shooting pain down the forearm. If possible, we suggest you avoid gripping items even if they are not heavy and avoid shaking hands.
• You should avoid motions that require you to extend your elbow fully. This motion can cause a lot of pressure on the joint, leading to severe pain in the outer elbow.

Contact Us: Sports Medicine in Manhattan

New York Sports Medicine Institute has years of experience in treating tennis elbow. We are passionate about helping our patients get back to work and enjoy their daily activities free of pain. Our medical team has the expertise to develop the treatment plan best for you. We offer Sports Medicine in Manhattan and look forward to helping you on your healing journey. Contact us today to make an appointment.