Lateral epicondylitis

Lateral Epicondylitis
Synonyms	Tennis Elbow
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow
Complications	Chronic pain
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Weeks to months
Types	N/A
Causes	Overuse of the forearm muscles
Risks	Repetitive motion activities
Diagnosis	Physical examination, imaging
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Rest, physical therapy, medications
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with treatment
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a condition characterized by pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow. It is a type of repetitive strain injury that results from overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, leading to inflammation of the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.

Causes

Lateral epicondylitis is primarily caused by repetitive motion activities that strain the forearm muscles and tendons. Common activities that can lead to this condition include playing tennis, painting, carpentry, and typing.

Symptoms

The main symptom of lateral epicondylitis is pain on the outer part of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm. The pain is often exacerbated by activities that involve lifting, gripping, or twisting the forearm.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis is typically based on a physical examination. The doctor may perform specific tests to assess pain and tenderness around the lateral epicondyle. Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI may be used to rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for lateral epicondylitis focuses on relieving pain and promoting healing. Common treatment options include:

• Rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate symptoms
• Physical therapy to strengthen the forearm muscles
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation
• Corticosteroid injections for severe cases
• Surgery in rare cases where conservative treatments fail

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for lateral epicondylitis is generally good. Most individuals experience significant improvement within weeks to months.

Prevention

Preventive measures include using proper techniques during activities, taking regular breaks, and performing exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles.

See also

• Medial epicondylitis
• Repetitive strain injury

External links

• Mayo Clinic - Tennis Elbow
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - Tennis Elbow