It may surprise you to learn that tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players. It is not even limited to tennis. The condition known as tennis elbow can be caused by any repeated body movement, specifically of the forearm, that is not mechanically correct. It can be caused by holding your computer mouse improperly or resting your arms at an awkward angle with you type. Tennis elbow is a common condition that can be treated by an orthopedic doctor.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has defined tennis elbow as a condition in which the tendons on the external side of the elbow degenerate. It is these tendons that anchor the muscles that allow you to move your wrists and hands.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has indicated that most patients with tennis elbow are age 30 to 50. They have made it clear, however, that the condition is not limited to any one age group. It can occur at any age. According to the AAOS as many as half of all the athletes who participate in racquet sports are affected by this degenerative condition. Tennis elbow, although an injury, does not occur because of a trauma to the elbow. It is a silent condition that catches you unaware. Most often patients didn’t have any idea they were doing something that was wearing away at their tendon.

Fencing athletes are also commonly affected by tennis elbow. Occupations that require repetitive motion of the forearm are also often affected. This includes painters, weavers, laborer, and many more jobs.

When doctors see a patient with tennis elbow they usually try up to 6 months of therapy to see if the problem will go away. Treatment may include rest for the injured arm, icing the elbow, and taking a prescription anti-inflammatory, or over-the-counter acetaminophen.

If acetaminophen or prescription anti-inflammatory medication does not ease the pain, the painful site may be injected with corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatories and also help ease pain.

Surgery is usually a last resort. It is recommended for those patients whose tennis elbow has not responded to at least 6 months of treatment. Surgery for tennis elbow usually involves removal of inflamed tendon tissue and replacement with healthy tissues. Most patients do well with surgery and often recover to be able to play again.