What happens if a tennis elbow goes untreated?

Caden Fitzroy - 28 Feb, 2023

Tennis elbow is a painful condition that can be caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in your forearm. If left untreated, this condition can lead to a number of long-term effects that can be difficult to manage.

Once the initial pain and inflammation associated with tennis elbow has subsided, the condition can still have a lasting effect on your arm and shoulder. Over time, the muscles and tendons in your arm can become weaker, leading to decreased range of motion and flexibility. This can make it difficult to perform daily activities, such as carrying groceries, lifting objects, and even writing.

In addition to decreased range of motion, untreated tennis elbow can lead to chronic pain and discomfort. This can make it difficult to participate in activities that involve repetitive motion, such as playing sports or typing on a computer.

Finally, untreated tennis elbow can lead to lasting nerve damage. This can cause tingling and numbness in your fingers and arm, and can lead to further muscular and tendon damage.

The best way to avoid the long-term effects of untreated tennis elbow is to seek treatment as soon as possible. If you think you may have tennis elbow, it’s important to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and to start a treatment plan.

Tennis elbow is a common injury caused by repetitive use of the forearm muscles, which can cause pain and tenderness in the elbow. If left untreated, the condition can cause lasting damage and difficulty with daily activities. Fortunately, there are many strategies you can use to prevent and treat tennis elbow.

1. Strengthen the Forearm Muscles: Strengthening the forearm muscles can help prevent an injury and ensure that when you do experience pain, it is not as severe. Try using light weights to do wrist curls and other exercises that can help strengthen the muscles in the forearm.

2. Wear an Elbow Brace: Wearing an elbow brace can help support the muscles and tendons of the elbow, preventing them from becoming overused. Make sure that the brace you select fits snugly but does not cause discomfort.

3. Take Breaks: When playing a sport that involves frequent gripping and use of the forearm muscles, take regular breaks. This will help prevent overuse of the muscles and allow them to rest and recover.

4. Ice the Elbow: Applying an ice pack to the elbow for 15-20 minutes at a time can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain. Make sure to wrap the ice in a cloth or towel to prevent cold burns.

5. See a Doctor: If you are experiencing persistent pain and tenderness in your elbow, it is important to see a doctor. This will ensure that any underlying conditions are treated and that you receive the best possible care.

Tennis elbow is a common injury that can be painful and uncomfortable, especially when left untreated. While it can be managed with rest, physical therapy, and medications, if left untreated, it can cause long-term damage.

Pain is the most common symptom of untreated tennis elbow. It may be felt in the elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand. As the condition progresses, the pain may become worse and more frequent. It may even spread to other areas of the body.

In addition to pain, untreated tennis elbow can cause a decrease in range of motion. This can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, such as opening jars or turning doorknobs. It can also make it difficult to participate in activities such as tennis or golf.

Without treatment, tennis elbow can also lead to long-term damage to the tendons, muscles, and ligaments in the elbow. This can lead to further pain and discomfort and can even cause permanent disability.

If you think you may have tennis elbow, it's important to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment options may include rest, physical therapy, medications, or even surgery. Treating the condition early can help to prevent further damage and long-term complications.