Tennis elbow, as the same is evident, is a medical condition caused by inflamed tendons on the outer bony prominence of the elbow. Certain repetitive movements of the wrist can lead to inflammation around the tendons and may cause this condition.

Causes:

While the occurrence may be high in case of tennis players, there may be other causes that may cause tennis elbow. Since it is caused by repetitive movements of the wrist, occupation where the wrist is subject to high shear conditions and where the wrist bears the maximum load, can report high incidence of the same. This may reflect on professions like gardening, ironsmith, carpenter, and other which need constant gripping or squeezing activities. In tennis specifically, movements like one-handed backhand, late forehand swing and snapping and turning the wrist while serving with full power.

Symptoms:

The most evident symptoms is pain around the elbow area, which may become grave on repetitive use of the wrist
Pain while shaking hands, or squeezing objects
Slow pain which becomes deep on repetitive use of wrist
Use of wrist for applying force may worsen the pain and even light weight objects might complicate the situation
Tenderness on the outer bony part of the elbow
Morning stiffness of the elbow, with soreness in the forearm

Treatment:

In most the cases, application of ice packs and use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications help in subsiding the symptoms. Use of an elbow strap or splint may act as a support warding off unnecessary pressure from the inflamed tendon. Physical therapy that involves different exercises for flexibility and strength may be performed at home. However, if these options don't help, you may have to visit a specialist who might suggest a steroid therapy to settle down the inflammation. But these injections have to be given in limited number since frequent use can weaken the tendon. In case nothing works, the doctor will resort to surgical options to take care of the tennis elbow. Read more about Tennis Elbow here.