As someone who hits the tennis court at 6 AM and spends the rest of the day managing sales for a golf apparel brand, I’ve always pushed my body to the limit. But a few months ago, I felt a sharp, burning sensation on the outside of my right elbow that I just couldn't ignore.
At first, I thought it was just fatigue from a heavy weekend of matches or carrying inventory samples at work. But when even gripping my morning coffee or clicking a computer mouse started to hurt, I realized I was dealing with the classic Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis).
What Exactly is Tennis Elbow?
Despite the name, you don't have to be a pro athlete to get it. According to my recent research, it’s an overuse injury caused by repetitive motions that strain the tendons in your forearm. In my case, it was a combination of backhand strokes on the court and hours of repetitive clicking as a sales manager.
The pain usually stems from small tears in the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. If left untreated, those tiny tears can lead to chronic pain that sidelines you from the things you love.
"I realized that whether I was swinging a racket or just typing a business plan, the repetitive stress was the silent enemy of my elbow health."
Red Flags: Are You Ignoring These Symptoms?
Based on my own experience and medical advice, here are the warning signs you should never ignore:
-
Outer Elbow Tenderness: A dull ache or sharp pain
specifically on the bony bump on the outside of your elbow.
-
Weakened Grip: Finding it surprisingly hard to turn a
doorknob or hold a racket firmly.
-
Morning Stiffness: Feeling like your elbow is "locked" or
extra stiff when you first wake up.
-
Radiating Pain: The ache starts at the elbow but starts
traveling down your forearm toward your wrist.
My "Desk & Court" Survival Tips
Living in Anyang and balancing a busy career with two young kids, I don't have time for a long recovery. Here’s what helped me get back in the game:
- The Ice Hack: After a long day of work or a tennis session, ice the area for 15 minutes to reduce inflammation.
- Ergonomic Check: Since I spend a lot of time on my PC, I switched to a vertical mouse to reduce forearm twisting.
- Proper Warm-ups: Never start a match cold. Gentle wrist stretches can save your tendons from sudden shock.
Tennis elbow isn't just a "sports injury"—it's a sign that your body needs a break. If you’re feeling that familiar twinge, don't just "tough it out." Trust me, a little rest now is better than being benched for months.
Have you ever dealt with elbow pain from work or sports? What’s your secret for a fast recovery? Let's swap tips in the comments below!
