You could get tennis elbow from typing in Grand Rapids, MI

Many people have probably heard of tennis elbow before, but you may not know exactly what it is. In fact, the first time most patients find out what this condition is and how it can happen is after they get it. Here is some important information that Grand Rapids, Michigan, residents should know about tennis elbow: 

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is the popular name of this condition, but its proper medical name is lateral epicondylitis. This condition is when the tendons that connect the forearm or upper arm muscles to the elbow bones are overstretched or irritated. With tennis elbow, these tendons are on the outside of the elbow, but people with golfer’s elbow have a similar problem. However, the tendons affected by golfer’s elbow are on the inside of the elbow. 

What are some symptoms of tennis elbow?

People with tennis elbow tend to experience pain in the elbow, but the pain can also be felt in the arm, wrist or hand in some cases. This condition typically makes it harder to grasp objects and rotate the forearm. This means you may have difficulty doing tasks like picking up a pencil or opening a door. 

What activities cause tennis elbow?

Based on its name, most people assume that playing tennis is the only way to get tennis elbow. However, office workers can get tennis elbow from typing. Also, long hours of using the mouse at work or while playing games at home can lead to this condition. It’s not restricted to the office either. Painters, carpenters, construction workers and assembly line workers are all at higher risk of developing tennis elbow. Any task that puts a lot of stress on the elbow tendons for long periods or uses repetitive elbow movements can cause this condition. 

Where can you find help treating tennis elbow in Grand Rapids, MI?

If you’ve gotten tennis elbow from too much typing or any other task, our team at Advent Physical Therapy can help. We have a clinic right here in Grand Rapids, and we offer free screenings to help you get started with treatment. This treatment will feature a therapy plan that’s personalized to your needs, and it will typically include many beneficial therapy methods like: 

• Manual therapy
• Industrial rehabilitation
• Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) therapy
• McKenzie Method

Take the next step to get our help with your tennis elbow. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.