Tennis Elbow – Lateral Epicondylitis
Tennis Elbow – Lateral Epicondylitis
What Is Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition caused by overuse of the forearm muscles that attach to the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, it doesn’t only affect tennis players—it can occur in anyone who repetitively uses their forearm or wrist, especially in activities involving gripping, lifting, or twisting motions.
Over time, this overuse can lead to microscopic tears in the tendon that connects the forearm muscles to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outside of the elbow), resulting in pain and inflammation.
Causes
Tennis elbow is typically caused by repetitive motion or overuse of the forearm, particularly from:
Racquet sports (tennis, squash, etc.)
Manual labor (plumbing, carpentry, painting)
Repetitive computer mouse use or typing
Lifting heavy objects with improper form
The condition can also arise without any known injury, especially in individuals between ages 30 and 50.
Signs & Symptoms
Common symptoms of tennis elbow include:
Pain or burning on the outer part of the elbow
Weak grip strength
Worsening pain with activities like shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or lifting a coffee cup
Discomfort that can radiate down the forearm
Symptoms usually begin gradually and can worsen over time if untreated.
Diagnosing Tennis Elbow
Diagnosis is typically made based on:
Physical examination and discussion of symptoms
Pain over the lateral epicondyle and with resisted wrist or finger extension
Imaging tests such as:
X-rays to rule out arthritis or other bone issues
MRI or ultrasound in more complex or persistent cases to assess tendon damage
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatment
The majority of people with tennis elbow improve with conservative care, which may include:
Rest & Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms
Ice Therapy: Reduces inflammation and pain
Anti-inflammatory Medications: Such as ibuprofen or naproxen
Bracing: A forearm strap or elbow brace can reduce strain on the tendon
Physical Therapy:
Stretching and strengthening exercises for the forearm muscles
Manual therapy techniques
Steroid Injections: Can reduce inflammation but may have limited long-term benefit
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: An emerging treatment option that uses components of your own blood to promote healing
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is rarely needed, but may be considered if:
Symptoms persist for 6 to 12 months
Non-surgical treatments fail to relieve pain
Surgical procedures aim to:
Remove the damaged portion of the tendon
Promote healing of healthy tendon tissue
Most surgeries are outpatient and have good success rates, followed by a period of rehabilitation and strengthening to restore full function.
