Mild swelling in the area Tenderness with use and when pressing on the tendon Pain that is often described as a dull ache Pain that occurs more often when moving the affected limb
Pain starting at the elbow and radiating out to the lower part of the arm Stiffness in your arm Increased pain when you bend and flex your wrist [3] X Research source Pain that is aggravated by certain motions, such as opening jars and shaking hands[4] X Research source
Pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow and down your forearm A weakened grip Worsening of symptoms when you overuse the associated muscles, such as by playing racquet sports, turning a wrench, or shaking hands
Tendinitis may also occur in the tendons that control either extension or flexion (straightening or bending), but it rarely occurs in both at the same time. The repetitive motion that exerts the most stress — either force against flexion or against extension — will cause tendinitis.
Repetitive heavy lifting or using heavy tools Jobs that involve the use of squeezing and twisting movements or precision motions New or uncommon movements, such as gardening for the first time in the spring, lifting a new baby, or packing and moving your home
Doing jobs that involve repetitive motion of the elbow, including computer use, gardening, chopping or painting Using vibrating tools Using a racquet that is too small or heavy for your ability or putting excessive topspin on the ball Participating in other repetitive activities for an hour or more on consecutive days, such as weight lifting, cooking, hammering, raking, or chopping wood[9] X Research source
If tendinitis persists for several months, you can experience tendinosis, which has a negative effect on the tendon and causes abnormal new blood vessel growth. Long-term complications of tennis elbow can result in recurrence of the injury, rupture of the tendon and failure to heal with either non-surgical or surgical repair due to a nerve entrapment in the forearm. Long-term complications for chronic golfer’s elbow can lead to chronic pain, limited range of motion and a lasting or fixed contracture (bend) in the elbow. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
To diagnose your forearm tendinitis, your physician will take a thorough health history and perform a full physical assessment. Your physician may order x-rays if you were injured before the pain started.
Your physician may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce the inflammation in your forearm, reduce pain, and improve arm function. You may need to wear a brace to support the area and reduce any stress on the muscles and tendons. This brace may immobilize the area or just provide support, depending upon the severity of your condition. Your doctor may inject corticosteroids around the tendon to reduce inflammation and pain; however, if the condition lasts more than 3 months, repeated injections may weaken the tendon and increase the risk of tendon rupture. [13] X Research source
Although this treatment is still being researched, it has been beneficial in the treatment of some chronic tendon conditions. Talk to your doctor to find out if this treatment is a good option for you.
Occupations and recreational activities that require a lot of gripping, force placed against extensor or flexor muscles or repetitive hand or wrist motions can develop tight muscles that contribute to tendinitis. Your physical therapist may recommend deep friction massage to trigger the release of natural stimulants that may help to heal the tendon. [16] X Research source This technique is safe, gentle, and easy to learn from your therapist.
Your elbow is hot and inflamed and you have a fever You can’t bend your elbow Your elbow appears to be deformed You suspect you may have cracked or broken a bone from a specific injury to the area
Resting the inflamed joint and stopping the activity that triggered it Icing the joint with a towel-wrapped ice pack three to four times per day for 10 minutes at a time Using over the counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Motrin)
