TENNIS ELBOW
Tennis elbow is the common name used for the elbow condition called lateral epicondylitis. It is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the tendons that attach to the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow (lateral epicondyle).It is a painful condition occurring from repeated muscle contractions at the forearm that leads to inflammation and micro tears in the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle. The condition is more common in sports activities such as tennis, painting, hammering, typing, gardening and playing musical instruments. Patients with tennis elbow experience elbow pain or burning that gradually worsens and a weakened grip.
- Signs and symptoms
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment Options
- Surgery
Signs and symptoms of Tennis Elbow can include the following:
- Persistent elbow pain.
- Burning sensation in the elbow area.
- Weakened grip strength.
- Gradual worsening of symptoms over time.
While its name suggests a tennis-related cause, this condition can occur due to various activities such as:
- Repetitive forearm movements leading to overuse.
- Micro-tears and inflammation in tendons attaching to the lateral epicondyle.
- Commonly associated with activities such as tennis, painting, hammering, typing, gardening, and playing musical instruments.
Tennis Elbow should be evaluated by an orthopaedic specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis of tennis elbow involves a comprehensive assessment, encompassing:
- A review of medical history
- A thorough physical examination, and
- Often imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or electromyogram (EMG) to evaluate nerve involvement and rule out other potential causes.
Your physician will recommend conservative treatment options to treat the symptoms. These may include the following:
- Activity modification: Limiting or avoiding exacerbating activities.
- Splinting: Using braces to reduce tendon stress.
- Cold therapy: Applying ice packs to reduce inflammation.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatories or steroid injections for pain management.
- Physical therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises guided by a therapist.
- Pulsed ultrasound: Enhancing blood circulation for tendon healing.
Considered if symptoms persist for 6 to 12 months despite conservative measures.
Lateral epicondyle release surgery:
- Open or endoscopic techniques.
- Trimming or releasing the extensor tendon.
- Removal of scar tissue or bone spurs.
- Possible reattachment of the tendon to the bone.
