What Causes Tennis Elbow?
The muscles that extend down your wrist are attached to a bony bump on the outside of your elbow, known as the lateral epicondyle.
Sometimes, either by injury or overuse, the site where these muscles insert can start to become either irritated or inflamed. This condition is known as lateral epicondylitis or “tennis elbow”- although the majority of those affected do not have to play tennis.
Causes
If you experience pain while gripping an object with your dominant hand or arm, this condition is very common and can be experienced by people who are involved in activities such as tennis, carpentry, bricklaying etc.
The severity of the discomfort will increase over time until even holding a simple everyday item like coffee cup becomes painful for the person suffering from this disease. In some cases shaking hands or straightening one’s arms may also become difficult to perform due to intense pain.
Treatment
Without treatment, 80% of patients still report pain after one year.
Instead of sleeping with your elbow compressed beneath a pillow, try to find ways around it. If you are playing tennis or racquetball, consider changing racket size and handle shape for better results.
If the situation calls for it we may prescribe a “counterforce brace” for your elbow. This will act as a new attachment site and reduce stress on that area of your body! We’ll also give you some sports cream to keep in home, so remember be patient with recovery – this is only temporary!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does tennis elbow usually take to settle down?
This varies quite a bit from person to person. Mild cases can start to feel more comfortable within a few weeks, while more stubborn or long standing cases may take a few months of consistent care to properly calm down. Things like how long you’ve had symptoms, your day to day activities, and how well you rest the affected arm can all play a part.
Many patients in and around Newcastle under Lyme find that a combination of hands on care and simple exercises at home helps things move along more steadily than rest alone.
Is tennis elbow the same as golfer's elbow?
No, although they’re often confused. Tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow, whereas golfer’s elbow affects the tendons on the inside. Both are types of tendon irritation caused by repetitive strain, and the approach to easing them is broadly similar, but the exact exercises and hands on techniques used may differ slightly depending on which one you have.
Should I rest my arm completely or keep using it?
Complete rest for a long period isn’t usually the best approach, as the tendon still needs some gentle movement to recover well. That said, activities that repeatedly load or strain the elbow, such as heavy lifting, gripping tools, or repetitive typing, are worth cutting back on while things settle.
A chiropractor can help you work out a sensible balance between rest and movement based on your day to day routine.
Can desk work or computer use cause tennis elbow?
Yes, it’s a common cause. Repeated typing, mouse use, or holding awkward wrist positions for long periods can place ongoing strain on the tendons around the elbow, even without any obvious injury. We see this fairly often with patients working locally in Newcastle under Lyme and further afield in Stoke on Trent, particularly those in office based roles.
Small changes to your desk setup, along with some targeted exercises, can often make a noticeable difference.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor for tennis elbow?
No referral is needed. You’re welcome to book directly with us. If we feel your symptoms would benefit from further investigation or input from another healthcare professional, we’ll let you know and can point you in the right direction.
If you’re based in or near Newcastle under Lyme, you can book online to arrange an initial assessment.
Will I need to keep coming back for treatment?
This depends on how your elbow responds and how long you’ve had symptoms for. Some patients notice improvement after just a handful of visits, while others with more persistent tendon irritation may benefit from a short course of care alongside a home exercise plan.
Your chiropractor will usually review progress regularly and adjust the plan as needed, rather than committing you to a fixed number of sessions from the outset.
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