How is tennis elbow different in office workers?

Tennis elbow affects the tendons that help extend the wrist and fingers near the outer elbow. Long periods of clicking, scrolling, typing with the wrists held up, using a firm grip or carrying a laptop can repeatedly load this area. The problem may be aggravated by work outside the desk, such as DIY, exercise or childcare.

Office-related symptoms can include tenderness at the outer elbow, pain when gripping a mug or opening a jar, and discomfort while lifting the forearm. Neck or nerve problems can feel similar, so an assessment should consider the shoulder, neck, wrist and sensation as well as the elbow.

Keep the mouse and keyboard close, let the shoulders relax and avoid holding the wrist in a fixed raised position for long periods. Change tasks, take brief movement breaks and use the least force needed for clicking or gripping. Adjust the chair, desk and screen so you are not reaching repeatedly.

A physiotherapist may prescribe progressive forearm and shoulder exercises, then help you resume heavier tasks. Avoid suddenly adding intense gripping exercises while the elbow is irritable, and note which work activity brings symptoms on.

Seek prompt care after an injury with deformity, severe swelling, inability to move the arm, or new numbness or weakness. Arrange assessment when pain is severe, keeps worsening, disrupts sleep, or does not improve after sensible activity changes, because other elbow, neck or nerve conditions may need different treatment.

Ask: Which task is most likely loading my elbow? Could my neck or a nerve be involved? How should I set up my workstation? Which exercises are appropriate now? Should I use a brace for a particular task? When can I return to lifting, sport or prolonged computer work?