**Tennis elbow**—despite its sporty name—isn’t reserved for athletes. In fact, most people who de…
**Tennis elbow**—despite its sporty name—isn’t reserved for athletes. In fact, most people who develop it have never picked up a tennis racket. Whether you're typing away at a desk, painting, or using tools all day, this common condition can sneak up on anyone.
### What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, medically known as **lateral epicondylitis**, is a painful condition caused by **overuse or repetitive strain** on the muscles and tendons in your forearm. It gets its name because it frequently affects tennis players, but it's also common in:
- Office workers
- Carpenters
- Chefs
- Plumbers
- Gardeners
### What Causes It?
The culprit behind tennis elbow is **repetitive motion**, especially wrist and arm movements. Over time, these motions can create tiny tears in the tendon that connects the forearm muscles to the outside of your elbow.
Common activities that can lead to tennis elbow include:
- Typing or using a mouse for long periods
- Lifting heavy objects with poor technique
- Playing racquet sports with improper form
- Frequent use of hand tools
### Symptoms to Watch Out For
Tennis elbow usually develops gradually. Early signs include:
- Pain or burning on the **outside of the elbow**
- Weak grip strength
- Pain that worsens when lifting, gripping, or twisting (like opening a jar)
The discomfort might start mild and worsen over time, especially if the activity causing it isn’t adjusted or stoppe...
