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A health condition most often associated with tennis playing arm trauma, tennis elbow has been diagnosed for patients who have never practiced the sport in their lives. The formal name encountered for this condition in medical books is lateral epicondylitis which in popular language represents the inflammation of the outside elbow bone. Many doctors consider that this condition is rather a problem triggered by middle age than by tennis playing or excessive use of the elbow. So, it seems, tennis playing cannot be blamed as the only cause for the ailment. Still, many tennis players complain about it, therefore it has gained the popular name of tennis elbow.

There are some specific tennis elbow symptoms that allow for the identification of the problem. First of all, tennis elbow causes pain in the outer part of the elbow and the appearance of a tender point in the upper part of the elbow bone. Moreover, when one turns the wist or lifts an object the pain can extend not only to the elbow but to the wrist joint too. Last but not least, many people who think they experience tennis elbow also complain about having their elbow and wrist stiff in the morning when they wake up. Most people in their late 40 thinks that this is the sign of old age or arthritic pain. This alone cannot eliminate or get rid of the pain by just taking pain killers. It could only be a waste of money and putting their liver in danger due to taking too much pain killers.

If you need to be diagnosed, then going to the doctor would be a smart thing. The most common tests for the identification of tennis elbow is radiography and MRI. Apparently, surgery is not a solution for the problem as the radiographies are not always relevant in determining the need for surgery or not. However there are treatments that can be followed and that have brought improvement in the case of many tennis elbow patients. Among the many options for treatment to be resorted to we can mention the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, the application of heat or ice and the wearing of a special elbow strap to make sure that strain on the elbow will be reduced.

The strap is a way to prevent further damage, and it cannot cure the already existing one. Acupuncture, the use of splints for immobilizing the forearm and elbow, cortisone shots or ultrasound treatments represent only a few other medical approaches to the tennis elbow condition.

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that affects many people at some point in their lives. Most often, tennis elbow symptoms are caused by a repetitive motion of the wrist, forearm, and elbow, from activities such as tennis and other racquet sports, laborers, and assembly-line workers, among others.

The condition is called tennis elbow because as many as 50% of all tennis players will suffer from the condition at some point in their lives. However, tennis players account for less than 5% of all tennis elbow cases – with most cases being work-related repetitive, or overuse injuries.

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is typically diagnosed by a visit to your physician. Most commonly, the list of pain symptoms and a physical exam are used rather than x-ray, MRI or blood tests.

Golf elbow is a similar condition with similar symptoms. However, golf elbow affects the inside of the elbow rather than the outside of the elbow. Both conditions are caused by repetitive overuse of the tendons and soft tissue of the elbow.

Only your doctor can diagnose tennis elbow with certainty, but most sufferers cite a list of common tennis elbow symptoms which are indiciative of the condition. Common Tennis Elbow Symptoms:

* Pain, tenderness, or soreness on the outside bony part of the elbow
* Pain that becomes worse when squeezing or holding an object
* Soreness or pain radiating in the forearm
* Weak or painful grip when turning a door knob or shaking hands
* Pain when wrist is extended

If you experience most, or all, of these symptoms, you may be suffering from tennis elbow.

Please see your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms, as these may be indiciative of a more serious condition requiring medical attention:

* Pain that persists when sleeping or inactivity
* Pain that persists for a week or more
* Bruising, discoloration, or swelling in the elbow area
* Inability to bend arm or wrist without pain
* Any other unusual symptoms

The good news is that most tennis elbow sufferers are able to see significant improvement and pain reduction within several weeks of diagnosis by following a non-surgical treatment plan outlined by their doctor. Less than 5% of tennis elbow patients require surgery. Alternatively, you can google “cure tennis elbow” or “physical therapy for tennis elbow” to find resources to help you cure your tennis elbow symptoms today.