If one is experiencing mild to severe pain in one’s arms or elbow area, one might already be suffering from tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis. As the name suggests, this is a condition more prevalent among tennis players. However, according to studies, there are many people who are suffering from tenis elbow without knowing it. This is because people often neglect the pain, thinking it will go away after a while. Disregarding the pain caused by the condition and not finding treatment can be very detrimental to one’s health. In fact, if the condition is left untreated, it can even lead to surgery. That is why it is important to know all about this affliction and its causes.

Tenis elbow is a condition caused when the tendons or ligaments in one’s arms swell or become torn and damaged. When this happens, the arm and hands are affected. Symptoms of tenis elbow often include pain from the elbow area down to the palms, difficulty in moving the arm, stiffness in the joins, and more.

Difficulty in grasping or holding things, or applying pressure using one’s hands is also a sign that one has the condition. The tendons or ligaments in one’s arms can be damaged if one is doing repetitive motions of the wrist. Activities such as clipping hedges, playing tennis, hammering, and more can all cause the condition. People who constantly use their hands in squeezing things or applying pressure on things, such as bakers or pastry makers, can also get tenis elbow. Sudden arm and wrist movements can also cause the condition.

Although tenis elbow occurs in many people, it is rarely a condition that warrants extensive treatment. First aid methods such as resting the afflicted arm, the application of warm and cold compresses, or drinking over the counter medication can usually cure the condition. However, for people whose tendons have become too damaged, a physician’s help is needed. Sometimes, surgery and steroid injections may be needed to cure the condition. That is why everyone must remember not to ignore pain in the arms to avoid having to pay for surgery and other treatments.