Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition characterized by pain and inflammation on the outside of the elbow, where the muscles and tendons of the forearm attach to the lateral epicondyle, a bony bump on the outside of the elbow.

Causes

Tennis elbow is often caused by repetitive strain on the forearm extensor muscles, which are responsible for wrist extension. This can occur due to various activities, including:

• Playing tennis or other racquet sports
• Using a computer mouse or keyboard
• Lifting heavy objects
• Performing repetitive manual labor
• Engaging in activities that involve gripping, twisting, or bending the wrist

Symptoms

The symptoms of tennis elbow may include:

• Pain on the outside of the elbow, which can radiate down to the forearm and wrist
• Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning or after periods of rest
• Weakened grip strength
• Pain when lifting, gripping, or twisting objects
• Pain when extending the wrist or fingers
• Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers

Diagnosis

Tennis elbow is typically diagnosed based on a physical examination and medical history. The doctor may perform various tests, including:

• Palpation (feeling with the fingers) to identify areas of tenderness
• Range-of-motion testing to assess elbow mobility
• Strength testing to evaluate grip strength and forearm muscle function
• Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI scans, may be ordered to rule out other conditions, such as fractures or arthritis

Treatments

The treatment of tennis elbow typically involves a combination of conservative measures and physical therapy. The goals of treatment are to reduce pain and inflammation, promote healing, and improve function.

• Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE): Avoid activities that aggravate the condition, apply ice to reduce pain and inflammation, use compression bandages or sleeves to support the elbow, and elevate the arm above heart level to reduce swelling
• Pain relief medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can design a rehabilitation program to improve elbow mobility, strengthen the forearm muscles, and promote healing. Techniques may include stretching, strengthening exercises, and modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation
• Bracing and orthotics: Using an elbow strap or wrist splint can help reduce strain on the affected area and promote healing
• Corticosteroid injections: Injecting corticosteroids into the affected area may be considered to reduce inflammation and relieve pain
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: This involves injecting platelet-rich plasma, which is derived from the patient's own blood, into the affected area to promote healing and tissue repair
• Surgery: In severe cases where conservative treatments have failed, surgery may be necessary to release the affected tendons or remove damaged tissue

Prevention

To prevent tennis elbow, it is essential to:

• Warm up and stretch before engaging in activities that involve repetitive wrist extension
• Use proper technique when performing activities, such as gripping or lifting
• Avoid overexertion and take regular breaks to rest the elbow and forearm
• Strengthen the forearm muscles through exercises and physical therapy
• Use ergonomic equipment and adjust workstations to reduce strain on the elbow and wrist