Who Is Affected by Tennis Elbow

Up to 3% of the general population get tennis elbow.¹ Playing tennis is only one of many activities that can result in this tendon injury. Frequent twisting movements of the hand, wrist, or forearm usually cause tennis elbow. These are motions you use in everyday actions, such as using a screwdriver, digging in a garden, and playing racquet sports. A direct blow to the outer elbow can also cause tendon damage.

• Tennis elbow can occur at any age, but it usually occurs in adults, most commonly affecting people in their 40s.¹
• Tennis elbow appears most frequently in the dominant arm—for example, your right arm if you are right-handed.

Tennis elbow is common in people who play racquet sports, including tennis. Tennis elbow in tennis players is usually caused by using the wrong technique or equipment that does not fit a person's body or strength (for example, too large of a grip on the racquet).

References

Citations

1. Buchbinder R, et al. (2008). Tennis elbow, search date August 2006. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	David Bardana, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine
Last Revised	January 21, 2011