Playing through injuries is not impossible.

“I cannot serve like I used to or fully extend my arm quickly without it hurting, but through the exercises I can do a lot more,“ said Carlmont tennis player Ben Knoot.

Knoot has been playing with tennis elbow since he was eight years old.

Tennis elbow is the inflammation of the tendons of the elbow (epicondylitis) caused by overuse of the muscles of the forearm.

Studies show that tennis elbow occurs due to damage of a specific forearm muscle called the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB). The ECRB helps to stabilize the wrist when the elbow is straight. A tennis player often uses this muscle during a groundstroke.

Overall about 50 percent of tennis players experience tennis elbow during their careers. Though, tennis elbow isn’t always associated with tennis. About five percent of people diagnosed with tennis elbow get it from things unrelated to tennis.

Knoot participated in many tournaments as kid which put a lot of strain on his ligament.

“Tennis elbow often happens if you play a lot with incorrect form,” said Knoot.

Symptoms of tennis elbow often include sudden pain when shaking hands or squeezing objects. Pain can often become worse by stabilizing or moving the wrist with force.

Tennis elbow is often treated with physical therapy, forearm bracing, and topical anti-inflammatory gels.

“In order to recover I had to do a lot of strength exercise including forearm strengthening.”

Knoot advised athletes and said, “Do your recovery and take it seriously, don’t strain your body. Personally I have never been able to play the same, but I did not recover properly or take it serious.”

Partner Vrain Ahuja said, “Ben has made a lot of adjustments to his strokes, especially his backhand. He’s done an awesome job playing through it. I can’t imagine having to go to the doctor everyday to relieve the pain.