What is Tennis Shoulder?
Tennis shoulder, or lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury of the shoulder caused by repetitive stress to the tissue in the shoulder joint. It usually occurs in athletes or those who play sports that involve repetitive arm motions, such as tennis.
The condition is characterized by pain on the outside of the shoulder, along with tenderness and inflammation. It can be debilitating, causing discomfort and decreased range of motion.
Symptoms of Tennis Shoulder
Tennis shoulder can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Pain: Pain is usually felt on the outside of the shoulder, but may also travel down the arm.
- Tenderness: The area may be tender to the touch.
- Weakness: The shoulder may feel weak or unstable.
- Loss of range of motion: The shoulder may not move as far as it used to.
Causes of Tennis Shoulder
Tennis shoulder is caused by repeated stress on the shoulder joint, such as that caused by playing tennis. Other activities that may cause tennis shoulder include:
- Throwing sports, such as baseball or football.
- Racket sports, such as badminton or squash.
- Weightlifting.
- Painting or wallpapering.
- Carpentry.
Diagnosis of Tennis Shoulder
To diagnose tennis shoulder, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, your medical history, and your activities. They may also perform a physical exam to check your range of motion and check for tenderness or swelling.
Your doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to rule out other causes of shoulder pain, such as a fracture or arthritis.
Treatment of Tennis Shoulder
Tennis shoulder can be treated with a combination of rest, physical therapy, and medications.
Rest
Rest is an important part of treating tennis shoulder. Avoid activities that make your symptoms worse, and give your shoulder time to heal.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help improve shoulder strength and flexibility. Your physical therapist can also teach you exercises to help reduce pain and improve range of motion.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe pain medications to help reduce pain and inflammation. They may also recommend a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation.
Self-care for Tennis Shoulder
In addition to medical treatments, there are some self-care steps you can take to help manage your pain and aid in recovery.
Ice
Applying an ice pack to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Exercise
Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve range of motion and reduce pain.
Ergonomics
Adjusting your posture and using proper ergonomics can help reduce strain on your shoulder.
When to See a Doctor
If your symptoms don’t improve with self-care, or if your pain is severe, you should see a doctor. They can diagnose and treat the underlying cause of your pain and recommend treatments to help you recover.
Preventing Tennis Shoulder
There are some steps you can take to help prevent tennis shoulder:
- Warm up: Before playing sports, warm up your shoulder with light stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Use proper technique: Make sure you are using proper technique when playing sports.
- Take breaks: Give your shoulder a break between games or matches.
- Stretch: After playing, stretch your shoulder muscles to help reduce tension.
- Use ergonomics: If you are doing activities that require repetitive arm motions, make sure you are using proper ergonomics.
Conclusion
Tennis shoulder is an overuse injury of the shoulder caused by repetitive stress to the joint. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, weakness, and loss of range of motion. Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, and medications. Self-care steps, such as ice, exercise, and ergonomics, can also help. If your symptoms don’t improve with self-care, you should see a doctor. Taking steps to prevent tennis shoulder, such as warming up and using proper technique, can also help reduce your risk of developing the condition.