Tennis Elbow: Not Just for Athletes , A Desk Job Can Trigger It Too

When we hear “tennis elbow,” we often think of athletes or racquet sports. But surprisingly, this painful condition technically known as lateral epicondylitis is increasingly common among deskbound workers. The culprit? Repetitive strain and poor ergonomic habits at the workstation.

Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow become irritated due to overuse. While in tennis it's caused by repetitive swinging motions, in office environments it's often triggered by constant mouse use, prolonged typing, or even lifting a laptop or heavy files improperly. These activities strain the same forearm muscles responsible for wrist and finger movements.

Symptoms typically include:

• Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow

• Weak grip strength

• Discomfort that worsens with lifting, typing, or even shaking hands

The condition can gradually worsen if left unaddressed. Many people ignore early signs, attributing the discomfort to general fatigue until daily tasks become painful.

Why Desk Workers Are at Risk

Long hours of typing without forearm support, poor wrist positioning, or a mouse placed too far from the body can all lead to repetitive microstrain. Over time, these small stresses add up. Combined with a lack of regular stretching or strengthening, this sets the stage for chronic overuse injuries like tennis elbow.

Prevention and Relief

The good news? Tennis elbow is both preventable and manageable. A few proactive steps can make a big difference:

• Ergonomic setup: Ensure wrists are in a neutral position, with the mouse and keyboard within easy reach.

• Support your forearms: Use cushioned armrests or desk pads.

• Take microbreaks: Short, frequent breaks reduce repetitive load on tendons.

• Stretch and strengthen: Gentle forearm stretches and resistance exercises help maintain tendon health.

• Physiotherapy: A trained therapist can guide recovery with manual therapy, activity modifications, and targeted exercises.

Tennis elbow doesn't just affect athletes it's a silent risk for anyone tied to a desk. Prioritising posture, ergonomics, and movement can help you stay pain-free and productive.