Tennis Elbow Causes & Risks

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Tennis Elbow Guide

Maryann Gromisch RN
Empowered
Maryann Gromisch RN Guide

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Causes

Tennis elbow is caused by overusing the forearm extensor muscles. These muscles extend the wrist and are active when you grip something, such as a tennis racquet. Overusing these muscles can cause deterioration or tearing of the tendons attached to the lateral epicondyle.

Causes include:

  • Improper technique for hitting a tennis ball
  • Improper size of tennis racquet or tension of racquet strings
  • Doing certain arm motions too much, such as:
    • Tennis strokes
    • Golf swings
    • Painting
    • Raking
    • Pitching
    • Rowing
    • Using a hammer or screwdriver
  • Improper golf swing technique or grip of golf clubs
  • Wrong model of golf clubs

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease, condition, or injury. Risk factors include:

  • Playing tennis or golf
  • Work that requires repetitive wrist extension and gripping with a closed fist
  • Muscle imbalance
  • Decreased flexibility
  • Advancing age

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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