Pain is most obvious when gripping objects and extending the arm, such as when swinging a tennis racquet or holding a cup of coffee. Despite its name, Tennis Elbow doesn't just occur in tennis players. Anyone who uses the same movements while gripping items can fall victim. This includes golfers, computer users, machinists, carpenters, mechanics, painters and a host of other professions and activities. When muscles are strained or overused, they become inflamed, and painful to the touch.
Inflammation can also occur from direct injury, such as bangs and bumps.
In these cases, muscles generally tear, causing pain and swelling, and recurrance is common. Inflammation can also occur without definite cause, though this is rarely the case. Arthritis, rheumatism and gout have sometimes caused Tennis Elbow. Persons who suffer neck problems or nerve disorders are also at risk of developing Tennis Elbow. Other causes of Tennis Elbow include incorrect grips, poor hitting positions, using a metal framed tennis racquet, improperly carrying a briefcase or other heavy object, or spending too much time using isolated muscle groups in the elbow area.