Everything You Need to Know About Elbow Pain

5. Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow occurs in people who engage in repetitive activity that involves rotating the wrist, such as swinging a tennis racquet, swimming, or golfing. Damage to the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon in the forearm is the primary cause. Symptoms of tennis elbow include mild elbow pain that gradually worsens, pain from the outside of the elbow down the forearm, and increased pain when shaking or squeezing an object. Some people develop an inability to grip objects or pain when lifting or twisting the hand and wrist. A physical exam, x-ray, or MRI can diagnose tennis elbow. Treatments include rest, ice, physical therapy, steroid injections, shock wave therapy, and surgery in severe cases.