Tennis elbow and Golfer’s elbow are conditions associated with doing certain activities repeatedly like gripping and rotating of the wrist and forearm. While the name suggests that it is common among tennis and golf players, they have also become common amongst general public – construction workers, painters, carpenters, butchers, vehicle riders and typists (which is almost anybody with a desk job).

Tennis elbow refers to pain on the outside of the elbow while Golfer’s elbow refers to pain on the inside of the elbow. Both these conditions occur when tendons attaching muscle to the bone in the forearm suffer microscopic tears due to repeated movements like gripping, wrist extension, forearm rotation, etc., resulting in pain.

Signs you may have it –

• Pain in the elbow when performing daily activities
• Weakness in the forearm
• Reduced grip strength (ability to hold an object)

So what can you do about it?

• Rest your arm and abstain from the activity causing pain
• Ice it to reduce discomfort
• Consult a doctor for pain management medication if it is severe
• Physiotherapy as a long term solution
• Use a brace called counterforce strap to provide support and reduce strain on the tendon

But you can also prevent this condition!

• Ensure to warm up muscles before doing any intense activity
• Consciously rest when doing intense activities to avoid straining the elbow
• Strengthen forearm muscles through targetted exercise
• Use correct form/technique and ergonomic support in performing daily activities

With these posts, I am trying to make you all more aware of the health conditions that are going around these days. Hope it helps!