What Happens If You Ignore Tennis Elbow?
Got a sore forearm after a long practice? You might be dealing with tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis. It’s that nagging ache on the outside of your elbow that gets worse when you lift, twist or grip. Many players think "a little pain is normal" and push through. But skipping treatment can turn a mild ache into a full‑blown problem.
Why the Pain Gets Worse
When you keep playing with an inflamed tendon, the tiny fibers in the forearm keep tearing. That means the pain isn’t just a one‑time thing – it becomes chronic. You may notice the ache spreading up to your shoulder or even your neck. The muscles start to compensate for the weak elbow, and that can lead to stiffness in other joints. Over time, you’ll feel the pain more often, and it can start to show up even when you’re not holding a racket.
Living with constant elbow pain also drags down your overall quality of life. Simple chores like opening a jar or typing on a keyboard become uncomfortable. Your swing loses power, your accuracy drops, and you might avoid the sport altogether. That loss of mobility can affect your confidence and keep you from staying active.
How to Stop the Damage
The good news is that most cases improve with early care. Rest is the first step – give the elbow a break from repetitive motions for a few days. Over‑the‑counter anti‑inflammatory meds, like ibuprofen, can cut swelling and ease the ache.
Physical therapy is a game‑changer. A therapist will teach you stretching and strengthening moves that target the forearm muscles without overloading the tendon. Simple exercises, such as wrist extensions with a light weight or a rubber band, can rebuild strength and keep the tendon from tearing again.
If pain stays stubborn after a couple of weeks, a doctor may suggest a corticosteroid injection. It’s a quick way to knock down inflammation, but it’s not a permanent fix. In rare, severe cases where the tendon is badly damaged, surgery might be the last resort. Even then, most people recover fully with rehab.
Bottom line: don’t wait for the pain to become a daily habit. Early intervention means you’ll get back to the court faster and keep your arm healthy for the long run. If you notice any elbow soreness, treat it right away – rest, meds, and targeted exercises can save you from years of trouble.
