In tennis elbow, the tendon on the extensor muscle of the arm is damaged. This extensor muscle allows the hand to move backwards.
It skeleton is the frame of the body. It shapes the body, protects internal organs and allows movement. Movement is created by the cooperation of the bones with muscles, ligaments and tendons. Injury or excessive physical exertion can damage the tendons that connect muscles to bones.
For example, a common injury damages the tendon that connects the outer extensors of the forearm to the outer cusp of the elbow. Because this muscle is used to pull the hand back, such as in a tennis backhand strike, this injury is also known as tennis elbow.
By repeating the same movements, for example in tennis, painting and many other activities, there is too much tension on this tendon, causing small tears. This can cause tendonitis to develop. This is accompanied by tenderness or pain on the outside of the upper arm, close to the elbow. Medical name: tendonitis. The treatment of tennis elbow often consists of rest and immobilization of the arm. A sling can also be helpful, especially to avoid using the elbow.
