Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is a painful condition caused by overuse or strain of the tendons in the elbow, leading to inflammation around the lateral epicondyle. It is not limited to athletes and can affect anyone doing repetitive arm or wrist movements. In Ayurveda, it is linked to aggravated Vata causing pain and stiffness, sometimes with Pitta involvement leading to inflammation.

Common Causes of Tennis elbow

Repetitive stress from activities like tennis, typing, or heavy lifting.
Overuse of forearm muscles leading to tendon damage.
Vata aggravation causing dryness and joint weakness.
Pitta imbalance contributing to inflammation.
Improper posture or ergonomics during work.

Symptoms of Tennis elbow

Pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow.
Pain radiating to forearm and wrist.
Weak grip strength and difficulty holding objects.
Increased pain during lifting, twisting, or gripping.
Stiffness in elbow joint with restricted movement.

Ayurveda’s Approach to Healing Tennis elbow

Balances Vata and Pitta with oils, herbs, and therapies.
Uses abhyanga (oil massage) with Mahanarayan or Kottamchukkadi taila.
Applies local swedana (steam therapy) to relieve stiffness and pain.
Prescribes herbs like guggulu, ashwagandha, and shallaki for inflammation.
Recommends rest, ergonomic corrections, and gentle physiotherapy/yoga stretches.