Tennis elbow

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Tennis elbow
Diagram of the elbow joint
Synonyms	Lateral epicondylitis, lateral epicondylalgia, rower's elbow, lateral elbow pain
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Orthopedics, Sports medicine
Symptoms	Pain on the outer part of the elbow, weakness in the wrist and forearm
Complications	N/A
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Weeks to months
Types	N/A
Causes	Overuse of the extensor muscles of the forearm
Risks	Repetitive motion activities, such as tennis, painting, carpentry
Diagnosis	Based on physical examination and medical history
Differential diagnosis	Radial tunnel syndrome, cervical radiculopathy, arthritis
Prevention	Proper technique, equipment modification, strengthening exercises
Treatment	Rest, ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, bracing, corticosteroid injections
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with treatment, but may recur
Frequency	1-3% of the population annually
Deaths	N/A

Tennis elbow, scientifically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition involving the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, this condition isn't exclusive to tennis players but can affect anyone who overuses their forearm, wrist, and hand muscles.

Tennis elbow often results from overuse of the forearm, wrist, and hand muscles, leading to inflammation and pain around the elbow joint.

Overview and Causes of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a common musculoskeletal disorder primarily caused by overuse or repetitive strain on the extensor muscles of the forearm. This repeated stress can result in small tears in the tendons attaching these muscles to the lateral epicondyle, causing inflammation and pain. Activities that can lead to tennis elbow include tennis and other racket sports, certain types of work like carpentry and plumbing, and repetitive keyboard or mouse use.

Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis

Typically, individuals with tennis elbow experience pain and tenderness over the lateral elbow, which can radiate into the forearm and wrist. The discomfort may worsen when gripping objects, twisting the wrist, or extending the fingers. Diagnosing tennis elbow is generally based on the clinical presentation, but imaging techniques like ultrasound or MRI can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other pathologies.

Treatment and Management

The mainstay of tennis elbow management includes rest, physiotherapy, pain management with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and modification of activities causing symptoms. Braces or straps can offload the strained muscles and tendons. If conservative treatments fail, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be considered.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for tennis elbow largely involve avoiding repetitive strain on the forearm extensor muscles. For athletes, this might mean using the correct equipment and technique, strengthening the forearm muscles, and not overdoing it. Workers in repetitive manual jobs can also benefit from regular breaks and ergonomically designed workspaces.

Prognosis

The prognosis for tennis elbow is generally good, with most patients experiencing substantial improvement within one to two years, although the recovery may be slow and frustrating. Recurrences are common, particularly if the precipitating activities are resumed too quickly without addressing the underlying issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while tennis elbow can be a painful and disruptive condition, a comprehensive approach involving rest, physical therapy, and careful return to activities can help most patients recover over time.

See Also

• Epicondylitis
• Physiotherapy
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Corticosteroid injections
• Repetitive strain injury