Common Habits That Cause Tennis Elbow

You have unexplained elbow pain. It’s not getting any better. You’re beginning to have trouble using your arm for things you normally don’t think about — gripping a coffee cup, for instance. It’s time to seek medical attention. You likely have a condition commonly called tennis elbow.

Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons, physician’s assistant, and nurse practitioner with Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine provide effective treatment for tennis elbow that helps you regain normal function.

Common causes of tennis elbow

Tennis elbow usually results from overusing soft tissue in your hand and arm, including the tendons. Numerous jobs and hobbies can lead to this overuse injury. The following are some typical examples.

Playing sports with swinging or throwing motions

There’s a reason lateral epicondylitis is called tennis elbow. It’s a common injury among tennis players and other athletes who play racquet sports.

It’s also a frequent complaint of athletes who play sports that involve swinging or throwing motions. If you bowl or play baseball, softball, or golf frequently, you’re at increased risk for tennis elbow.

Lifting heavy objects

Warehouse workers or factory workers who routinely lift objects more than 45 pounds are at risk of tennis elbow. Weightlifters are also at increased risk of tennis elbow due to overuse.

Using gripping or twisting repetitive motions with your hand and arm

In addition to affecting athletes, tennis elbow isn’t uncommon in many other jobs, including:

Carpentry
Painting
Plumbing
Musicians
Chefs

When you frequently grip power tools, use your hands and arms to twist pipes and other equipment, grip rollers or brushes, or play an instrument, you’re at heightened risk.

Typing or using a computer mouse

Using a keyboard and computer mouse can lead to tennis elbow. That’s because you’re straining your muscles and other soft tissue beyond their limits.

Use proper computer posture. Make sure you have a wrist rest and that your arms are at a 90-degree angle. Invest in a curved keyboard to take pressure off your thumb, fingers, and wrist.

Home projects involving frequent hand and forearm use

Perhaps sewing, knitting, or gardening are favorite hobbies. If you spend hours at your sewing machine, using knitting needles, or digging in the dirt, these repetitive activities can lead to tennis elbow. Take breaks to stretch your fingers and arms.