Tennis elbow is a condition that causes significant discomfort to the arm. If you’re someone who participates in frequent physical activity, you could be at risk for getting tennis elbow. It’s important to recognize how the condition feels and what causes it. This blog will explore the symptoms and treatment options for tennis elbow.

For same-day care, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Bedford. Our medical providers can examine your condition and recommend the best plan for treatment. Just walk-in today!

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is a common condition that affects the tendons in the elbow. Despite its name, the injury is not exclusive to tennis players and can actually affect anyone who engages in repetitive arm movements. The condition typically develops from a combination of factors– primarily repetitive motion. When you’re consistently gripping, twisting, or lifting the arm, you could be putting added stress on the extensor tendons. These tendons connect the muscles in the forearm to the elbow.

Tennis elbow can develop from improper technique. Whether your tennis stroke puts strain on this tendon, or you’re engaging in improper weightlifting, you could exacerbate tennis elbow. Understanding the causes and symptoms of tennis elbow can help you take preventive  measures and make necessary modifications to reduce the risk of developing or worsening this condition.

What Does Tennis Elbow Feel Like?

Tennis elbow can cause significant discomfort and make daily activities difficult. Individual pain level can vary depending on the severity of the injury and when treatment begins. If you’re someone who participates in regular activity that is focused on the arms, you might have tennis elbow and not even know it. Perhaps you’ve been working around the house– doing dishes, yard work or typing on a laptop– and felt a twinge of pain in your forearm. This could indicate you have tennis elbow.

Common tennis elbow symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness
• Weak grip strength
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Inflammation

Treatment Options For Tennis Elbow

There are various treatment methods you can follow to reduce the pain and stiffness of tennis elbow. First, it’s crucial to allow yourself to rest and avoid activities that exacerbate the condition. Give yourself time to heal. It may be necessary to modify your technique or use proper equipment to prevent recurrence. Additionally, you can apply ice to the affected area throughout the day to reduce inflammation. Try taking over-the-counter pain medications to further alleviate pain. If your tennis elbow persists, seek medical care at an urgent care center. A medical provider can diagnose your condition and help plan treatment accordingly.

If you suspect that you have tennis elbow, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Bedford for proper diagnosis and treatment options. Our team specializes in all preventative and immediate urgent care services, seven days a week. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-costs for those without. If you have any additional questions about dehydration, contact us at (781) 430-8161.