Pickleball or tennis elbow otherwise known as “lateral epicondylitis” is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation of the tendons that connect on the outside portion of your elbow. This differs from an elbow sprain which affects the ligaments of the elbow and not the tendons.  The condition develops from overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, especially in sports such as pickleball and tennis.  These sports involve repetitive extending of the wrist during swings. 

Risks factors typically include people who participate in sports such as pickleball or tennis, having a job requires repetitive extending of the wrist (painters, carpenters, plumbers, repetitive computer mouse work, and cashiers). 

Pickleball elbow and/or tennis elbow can start very mild and unassuming but can ramp up with pain and inflammation with repetitive stress of the above-mentioned activities. 

Tennis elbow commonly occurs due to overuse and strain on the forearm muscles (extensors) and tendons that attaches to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow.  Repetitive movements such as gripping, lifting, wrist extension,  or twisting, can lead to micro tears to the tendon creating inflammation and pain. During this time an elbow tendonitis brace can help with management.  This is what creates the tendonitis which often starts very subtle and then leads to more damage. 

Pickleball or tennis elbow is often associated with sports that use a racket secondary to the gripping and repetitive motion needed in the sport. Other sports such as racquetball, badminton, baseball, fencing can all experience similar type of repetitive motions causing lateral epicondylitis.

Pickleball or Tennis elbow typically follow a similar pattern of symptoms that lead to a diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis

1. Pain and tenderness: Typically, the pain is on the outer part of the elbow, where the wrist extensor muscles attach to the outside part of the elbow.  This pain can radiate down the forearm and are usually made worst by motions of wrist extension, gripping, and twisting. 

2. Decrease in grip strength: This is a common symptom associated with tennis elbow. Activities such as shaking hands, turning a doorknob, holding a can, and opening up jars can be difficult. 

3. Swelling and stiffness: When the tendon is very inflamed, swelling and stiffness may be present which can make pain more difficult. 

4. Pain with lengthening of muscles: Typically lengthening the wrist extensors can cause a pulling sensation on the tendon which can affect pain. 

Symptoms can vary depending on stage of inflammation and severity of the case.  Often times pain starts out very minimal and with continuation of the repetitive movement it can cause more of an issue with the tendon. 

EVAN JEFFRIES is a physical therapist with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. He has vast knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and has treated many orthopedic conditions by bringing a proactive approach to healthcare and lifestyle.