{"id":16718,"date":"2026-08-03T17:25:35","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T21:25:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/physioextra.ca\/conseils-sante\/tennis-elbow\/"},"modified":"2026-08-03T17:36:28","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T21:36:28","slug":"tennis-elbow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/physioextra.ca\/en\/health-tips\/tennis-elbow\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Tennis Elbow and When Should You Seek Help?"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is tennis elbow?<\/h2>\n

Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is an injury or inflammation of the tendons of the wrist extensor muscles. It generally develops gradually as a result of repeated contractions and overuse of the forearm muscles.<\/p>\n

The pain is often sharp and felt near the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. It may occur during wrist extension movements, such as when the back of the hand is facing upward, or during gripping activities. The pain may also radiate into the forearm and wrist.<\/p>\n

In many cases, the extensor carpi radialis brevis is the muscle most commonly involved in this persistent pain.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

Common causes in tennis players<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tennis players perform dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of shots during a single session. The forearm muscles are therefore heavily used to stabilize the wrist and racquet.<\/p>\n

The backhand stroke places particular stress on the wrist extensors. It can contribute to tendon microtrauma, especially when the training volume exceeds the tendon\u2019s ability to recover between sessions.<\/p>\n

Stroke technique and racquet grip also play an important role. A grip that is too tight or a slightly flexed wrist at impact places unnecessary stress on the tendons and causes the muscles to fatigue more quickly.<\/p>\n

An off-centre impact on the racquet or late contact during a backhand stroke can also force the player to recruit the extensor muscles more heavily to compensate. Repeated over time, these habits may contribute to tendon damage.<\/p>\n

Factors that can worsen the pain<\/h3>\n

A training volume that increases too quickly, without an appropriate adaptation period, can increase injury risk. A string tension that is too high may also absorb less impact from the ball and transmit more vibration to the arm.<\/p>\n

Some possible aggravating factors include:<\/p>\n