What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is an injury to the elbow's tendon that develops because of repetitive motion. Learn more about what causes tennis elbow and how to treat it.
Related Articles
Tennis Elbow Treatment and Prevention - Treatment and Prevention Options for Tennis Elbow - Treating Tennis ElbowThe Right Way to Lift for Patients with Tennis ElbowTennis Elbow - Lateral EpicondylitisWhat is Tennis Elbow - An Explanation of Tennis Elbow - Tennis Elbow DefinitionAvoiding Pain with Tennis Elbow
Transcript: What Causes Tennis Elbow?
The Body's Skeletal System
The skeletal system is the framework for the body. It gives the body shape, protects internal organs, and allows movement.Injuring the Tendons
Movement is accomplished by an interaction of the bones with muscles, ligaments, and tendons. However, sudden injuries or repeated physical stress can damage the tendons that attach muscles to the bones.What Is "Tennis Elbow"?
For example, one common injury affects a tendon that anchors the extensor carpi radialis muscles of the lower arm to the outside bump, or epicondyle, of the elbow.Because this muscle is used to pull the hand backwards, as in a backhanded tennis swing, the injury is often called "tennis elbow."
How Tennis Elbow Develops
The repetitive movements required during tennis, as well as with painting and many other tasks, put stress on this tendon and causes small tears. Inflammation, or tendonitis, can then develop, and will be accompanied by soreness or pain on the outside of the upper arm near the elbow.Treating Tennis Elbow
Treatment of tennis elbow often involves rest and immobilization of the arm. A brace may also be beneficial primarily because it prohibits use of the elbow.Copyrighted animations provided by Blausen Medical.