Many people are surprised to learn that you do not have to play tennis to develop tennis elbow. This condition, known medically as lateral epicondylitis, can affect anyone who repeatedly uses their forearm muscles for gripping, lifting, or twisting. If you have been wondering how can you tell if you have tennis elbow, it often starts with mild discomfort that gets worse over time, especially during certain activities. Recognizing the signs early can help you take steps to recover before the pain becomes a long-term issue.
What Is a Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow happens when the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to the outside of your elbow become irritated or inflamed. Repetitive motion is the most common cause, and it can come from:
- Playing racket sports such as tennis or squash
- Manual work like carpentry or painting
- Lifting weights without proper form
- Long hours of computer use
Over time, tiny tears form in the tendon, leading to pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion.
How Can You Tell If You Have a Tennis Elbow?
The discomfort from tennis elbow usually develops gradually. Typical signs include:
- Pain location: Outer part of the elbow, sometimes extending down into the forearm.
- Worsening with activity: Pain increases when gripping, lifting, typing, or twisting objects.
- Stiffness or weakness: Difficulty with tasks that involve wrist extension or grip strength.
- Radiating pain: Pain may travel from the elbow toward the wrist or hand.
Early Warning Signs of Tennis Elbow
Spotting the problem early can prevent it from getting worse. Common early signs are:
- Gradual discomfort rather than sudden pain.
- Tenderness when pressing on the outer bony area of the elbow.
- Reduced grip strength when holding cups, tools, or sports equipment.
- Pain when shaking hands or turning a doorknob.
- Aching or stiffness after prolonged typing or mouse use, which is common with tennis elbow from computer use.
How to Diagnose Tennis Elbow
A healthcare provider will usually start with a physical exam to identify pain points and test forearm strength. Diagnostic steps include:
- Resistance tests: Extending your wrist against gentle resistance to see if it reproduces the pain.
- Palpation: Checking for tenderness in the tendon area.
- Imaging: MRI or X-rays may be ordered if other causes are suspected.
Can You Get Tennis Elbow From Computer Use?
Yes. While many associate tennis elbow with sports, it is increasingly linked to desk jobs. Repetitive typing, scrolling, and clicking can strain the same forearm muscles as swinging a racket. Poor ergonomics can make the problem worse.
Tips for desk workers to prevent tennis elbow:
- Keep wrists in a neutral position while typing.
- Use an ergonomic mouse and keyboard.
- Take short breaks every 30 to 45 minutes.
- Stretch forearms gently throughout the day.
Elbow Pain When Lifting or Gripping: Is It a Tennis Elbow?
Elbow pain when lifting or gripping is a common sign of tennis elbow, but it can also indicate other conditions such as golfer’s elbow.
Difference between the two:
- Tennis elbow: Pain on the outer side of the elbow, worse with wrist extension.
- Golfer’s elbow: Pain on the inner side, worse with wrist flexion.
Movements that often trigger tennis elbow pain include carrying groceries, lifting kettles or pans, holding a racket, and extended periods of typing.
When to See a Doctor
You should seek professional help if:
- Pain does not improve after rest and self-care for two weeks.
- You notice swelling, redness, or warmth in the joint.
- Pain disturbs your sleep or limits daily tasks.
- Weakness in grip strength continues to worsen.
Final Thoughts
Tennis elbow can happen to anyone whose work or hobbies involve repetitive arm and wrist movements. By understanding the early warning signs of tennis elbow and knowing how to diagnose tennis elbow, you can address the problem before it affects your daily life.
If you are dealing with persistent outer elbow pain, especially during gripping or lifting, professional care can make a difference. At Active Chiropractic & Laser Center, we focus on effective treatment and prevention strategies to help you recover fully and return to your normal activities. Schedule an appointment today to start your journey toward pain-free movement.
