1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Orthopedics

Avoid Tennis Elbow Pain

By , About.com Guide

Updated: October 12, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

3 of 3

Tennis Elbow: The Wrong Way to Lift

Lifting a briefcase, purse, or toolbox, in the palm-down position stresses the tendons that are irritated in patients with tennis elbow.

Instead, lifting in the palm-up position, will not place any pressure on the irritated tendons, and will not cause pain. Furthermore, by allowing the injured tendons to rest, this may help cure the pain of tennis elbow.

Unfortunately, the palm-down hand position is often more 'natural,' and patients must think about how they are lifting objects before they actually pick them up!

Try it! If you have tennis elbow, try lifting a briefcase, or similar object (heavy purse, suitcase, shopping bag, toolbox) in both positions, and see which is more comfortable.

Explore Orthopedics
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Orthopedics
  4. Shoulder & Elbow
  5. Elbow Conditions
  6. Tennis Elbow
  7. The Wrong Way to Lift for Patients with Tennis Elbow

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.