Tennis Elbow Symptoms and Associated Tremors

Symptoms of tennis elbow?

Hello, Doctor!
Description of symptoms: For the past two months, I have experienced occasional weakness between my left elbow and wrist.
Sometimes, I also feel sensations of cold and heat (similar to the feeling of numbness in hands and feet after a period of restricted blood flow).
Since March, my left hand fingers have been slightly trembling, while my right hand does not exhibit this.
The trembling worsens after bathing or exercising.
There is a tender point on the anterior lateral aspect of the elbow joint that is painful when pressed, and the inner muscles have recently experienced muscle twitching for up to 10 hours!
I am particularly concerned about the trembling in my left hand, which has improved somewhat.
Can tennis elbow cause hand tremors? It seems that I frequently experience muscle fasciculations throughout my body, but they are more common in my left hand, particularly in the thumb, wrist, and biceps, where they briefly twitch once.

Additionally, I have another question: sometimes while sitting and watching TV or using the computer, I find myself repeating meaningless movements (like rotating my thumb, shaking my legs, or tightening my abdomen).
I can stop these movements, but when I am still and quiet, I feel uncomfortable and have the urge to move, almost like a hyperactive child.
I am unsure if this is a medical issue or if it is caused by excessive anxiety.

I would greatly appreciate your appropriate medical advice and explanations.
Thank you very much!

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/10/05

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology

After intense exercise, it is common to experience temporary localized muscle weakness and slight muscle twitching; however, these symptoms should naturally improve after rest.
As for sensations of cold or heat, it is important to pay attention to the location of these sensations to determine if they are due to compression of the peripheral nerves in the arm.
If the areas of abnormal sensation coincide with the areas of weakness and involve the same peripheral nerve, such as the radial or ulnar nerve, it is advisable to consult a neurologist for a thorough examination.
Additionally, tenderness upon palpation may indicate tendonitis or symptoms of nerve compression.
Muscle fasciculations can occur in individuals experiencing normal anxiety or tension, and they may also be present in early stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Therefore, it is prudent to seek medical evaluation to confirm whether the symptoms are merely due to emotional stress or overuse of the muscles for peace of mind.
Lastly, the tendency to constantly move is a common habit among many people; sometimes, this behavior reflects the body's way of transferring tension and attention.
Generally, it can be managed with awareness, but if it becomes increasingly uncontrollable, one should be cautious of restless legs syndrome.

Reply Date: 2012/10/05

More Info

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that arises from overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, leading to pain and discomfort on the outer part of the elbow. The symptoms you describe, including weakness in the left arm, sensations of cold and heat, and tremors in your fingers, can be concerning and may suggest a more complex issue than just tennis elbow.

Understanding the Symptoms
1. Weakness and Sensations: The weakness you feel from your elbow to your wrist, along with the cold and heat sensations, could indicate nerve involvement. The ulnar nerve, which runs along the inner side of the elbow, can sometimes be affected in conditions like tennis elbow, leading to symptoms that radiate down into the hand. This might explain why you are experiencing discomfort in your fingers and wrist.

2. Tremors: The tremors in your fingers, particularly after activities like bathing or exercising, could be related to muscle fatigue or overuse. While tennis elbow primarily causes pain, it can lead to compensatory movements that may strain other muscles, resulting in tremors. However, if these tremors are persistent and pronounced, they could also indicate a neurological issue, especially since you mentioned a history of muscle twitching.

3. Muscle Twitching: The muscle twitching you experience, especially if it lasts for extended periods, could be a sign of muscle fatigue or irritation of the nerves that innervate those muscles. This is not typical for tennis elbow but may suggest that there is an underlying neuromuscular issue that needs to be evaluated.

Recommendations for Management
1. Medical Evaluation: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist or an orthopedic specialist. They can perform a thorough examination and may recommend tests such as electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies to assess the function of your nerves and muscles.

2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can be beneficial for tennis elbow. A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. They may also use modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation to alleviate symptoms.

3. Activity Modification: It’s essential to modify activities that exacerbate your symptoms. If lifting heavy objects or repetitive motions are contributing to your discomfort, consider using ergonomic tools or techniques to reduce strain on your elbow and wrist.

4. Rest and Ice: Allowing your arm to rest and applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and pain. Avoid activities that provoke your symptoms until you have a clearer understanding of the underlying issues.

5. Stress Management: The repetitive, seemingly involuntary movements you describe while watching TV or using a computer may be related to anxiety or stress. Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or cognitive behavioral therapy can help manage anxiety and reduce the urge to engage in these movements.

Conclusion
While tennis elbow primarily affects the elbow, the symptoms you are experiencing suggest that there may be additional factors at play, possibly involving nerve function or muscle fatigue. It is essential to seek a comprehensive evaluation to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Early intervention can help prevent further complications and improve your quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Hand Tremors: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice

Hello Doctor: In recent months, I have occasionally woken up at night due to numbness in my hands (90% of the time it's my left hand, sometimes the entire palm, and other times just the ring and little fingers). The common factor is that I notice my hand is positioned above ...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: Your symptoms may suggest ulnar nerve pathology, commonly caused by poor posture leading to compression. The sensory distribution of the ulnar nerve includes the little finger, half of the ring finger, and the corresponding area of the palm. Common symptoms include numbnes...

Can Tennis Elbow or Cervical Compression Cause Finger Twitches?

Hello doctor, could tennis elbow or cervical spine compression cause finger twitching (not cramping)? Thank you.

Dr. Li Weiqiang reply Rehabilitation
Mr. Chen: Hello, generally speaking, tennis elbow occurs only on the outer side of the elbow, specifically at the attachment point of the forearm extensor muscle group, causing pain due to local inflammation. Sometimes, there may also be twitching in the fingers, which requires s...

Understanding Tennis Elbow: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention Tips

Several years ago, I sustained a strain in my entire right arm, but at that time, I did not experience any discomfort or soreness. Recently, due to work requiring me to frequently lift heavy objects, I have developed a feeling of weakness in my right hand, particularly in the are...

Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Xinyi: Hello! The pain you mentioned in your left and right palms seems less like tennis elbow and should be considered as carpal tunnel syndrome. It often occurs after lifting heavy objects. The pain point for tennis elbow is typically on the outer side of the elbow joint. Past ...

Understanding Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms and Causes Explained

About a year ago, both of my elbows were impacted, resulting in significant bruising and swelling. However, X-rays confirmed that there were no bone injuries. Since I already have arthritis, joint pain is quite common for me, so I didn't pay much attention to the pain in my ...

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! "Is this due to a severe impact on both elbows a year ago? However, there is no significant numbness or pain in the fingers; it’s just that when the palms of both hands are flat, the ring fingers tremble (the trembling worsens after exercise), and when holding light o...