If your job duties require painful, repetitive movements of the forearm, wrist and elbow over a prolonged period of time, you may be at risk of developing lateral epicondylitis, also known as “tennis elbow.” Per a study by Cleveland Clinic, “tennis elbow” is a common work-related injury amongst those performing continuous overarm movements, including but not limited to butchers, chefs, professional athletes, assembly line workers, auto mechanics, carpenters, cleaners, painters, plumbers, dentists and gardeners.
Symptoms may include muscle aches in the arm, swollen elbow joint, difficulty gripping, radiating pain from the outer elbow to the wrist and stiffness when extending the arm. To prevent “tennis elbow,” the study recommends lifting arm weights to strengthen the muscles, stretching before work, utilizing the appropriate equipment/tools and/or wearing an elbow brace.