Lateral Epicondylitis

What is 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.

Tennis elbow and Golfer’s elbow are similar, except that Tennis elbow occurs on the outside of the elbow and Golfer’s elbow occurs on the inside of the elbow. Both conditions are a type of tendonitis, which literally means “inflammation of the tendons”.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

Signs and symptoms of golfer’s elbow can include the following:

  • Elbow pain that appears suddenly or gradually

  • Achy pain to the outside of the elbow during activity

  • Elbow stiffness with decreased range of motion

  • Pain that radiates to the outer forearm, hand or wrist

  • Weakened grip

  • Pain worsens with gripping objects

  • Pain is exacerbated in the elbow when the wrist is extended or bent away from the forearm

Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow

Your doctor will review your medical history and perform a thorough physical examination of your elbow joint. Your physician may order an X-ray to rule out a fracture or arthritis as the cause of your pain. Occasionally, if the diagnosis is unclear, further tests such as MRI, ultrasonography and injection test may be ordered to confirm golfer’s elbow.

Treatments of Tennis Elbow

Non-Surgical Treatment

  • Activity restrictions: Limit the use and rest your arm from activities that worsen symptoms.

  • Orthotics: Splints or braces may be ordered to decrease stress on the injured tissues.

  • Ice: Ice packs applied to the injury will help reduce swelling and pain. Ice should be applied over a towel to the affected area for 20 minutes, four times a day for a couple of days. Never place ice directly over the skin.

  • Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications and/or steroid injections may be ordered to treat the pain and swelling.

  • Occupational therapy: OT may be ordered for strengthening and stretching exercises to the forearm, once your symptoms have decreased.

Surgical Treatment

If conservative treatment options fail to resolve the condition and symptoms persist for 6 -12 months, your surgeon may recommend a surgical procedure to treat tennis elbow called lateral epicondyle debridement and ECRL Transfer.