What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation on the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, this injury can affect anyone who performs repetitive arm motions, including runners. The pain is caused by tiny tears in the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow.

Causes of Tennis Elbow in Runners

While tennis elbow is most commonly associated with racquet sports, runners can also develop this condition. Some of the causes of tennis elbow in runners include:

• Overuse of the forearm muscles during running, especially when running uphill or on uneven terrain
• Poor running form, such as clenching the fists too tightly or swinging the arms excessively
• Weakness in the forearm muscles, which can lead to overcompensation and strain
• Tightness in the forearm muscles, which can limit flexibility and increase the risk of injury

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The primary symptom of tennis elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm. Other symptoms may include:

• Tenderness to the touch on the outside of the elbow
• Weakness in the forearm and wrist
• Difficulty gripping objects or performing tasks that require twisting motions, such as turning a doorknob
• Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest

Diagnosing Tennis Elbow

If you suspect you have tennis elbow, it's important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. Your provider will perform a physical exam, checking for tenderness and pain in the elbow and forearm. They may also ask you to perform certain movements to assess your strength and range of motion.

In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may be ordered to rule out other conditions or to assess the extent of the damage to the tendons.

Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow

Treatment for tennis elbow typically involves a combination of rest, pain relief, and physical therapy. Some specific treatment options may include:

• Rest and activity modification: Avoiding or reducing activities that aggravate the elbow, such as running or lifting heavy objects
• Ice and heat therapy: Applying ice to the elbow for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce pain and inflammation, and using heat to improve blood flow and promote healing
• Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and inflammation
• Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion in the forearm and elbow
• Braces or straps: Wearing a brace or strap around the forearm to reduce strain on the tendons
• Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and pain
• Surgery: In rare cases where conservative treatments are not effective, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tendons

Preventing Tennis Elbow in Runners

To reduce your risk of developing tennis elbow as a runner, consider the following tips:

• Maintain proper running form, keeping your arms relaxed and avoiding excessive arm swinging
• Strengthen your forearm muscles with exercises such as wrist curls and reverse wrist curls
• Stretch your forearm muscles regularly to maintain flexibility
• Gradually increase your running distance and intensity to avoid overloading your muscles and tendons
• Use proper equipment, such as running shoes with adequate support and cushioning

By taking steps to prevent tennis elbow and seeking prompt treatment if you do develop symptoms, you can keep your elbows healthy and strong, allowing you to continue enjoying the many benefits of running. Remember, just like a tennis player needs a strong serve, a runner needs strong, resilient arms to go the distance.