What is Tennis Elbow? Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, you don't have to play tennis to get it! It can happen to anyone who does activities that involve repetitive arm motions and is typically due to overuse. Common activities that can contribute to the pain include anything that involves repetitive gripping and/or wrist extension such as typing, painting, or playing musical instruments.

Causes: Tennis elbow is also referred to as a Tendinosis of a forearm muscle called the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB). Tendinosis involves degeneration of the ECRB tendon where microscopically the properties of the tendon change including inflammation, microscopic tearing along with tissue degeneration. This can contribute to pain along the outside of the elbow. Factors associated with pain include:

• Repetitive motions - typically gripping and wrist extension motions.

• Poor Technique - Incorrect form or technique during activities which typically involves excessive lifting with wrist extended or bent backwards. Common examples include improper golf swings or tennis strokes.

• Age - most commonly seen between the ages of 30 - 60. As we age tendons can become less flexible and resilient and are more prone to injury and degeneration

• Muscle Imbalances - Weakness or imbalance of muscles of the forearm, shoulder or upper arm can alter the biomechanics of the elbow joint leading to increased stress on the tendons and predispose them to injury.

• Previous Injury - A history of prior elbow or wrist injuries can contribute to altered biomechanics about the elbow and place increased stress on the tendons.

Symptoms: The main symptom of tennis elbow is pain on the outside of your elbow, especially when you grip things or move your arm. You might also feel stiffness or weakness in your forearm.

Treatment:

1. REST: The first step toward recovery is to give your elbow/arm proper rest. This includes stopping or decreasing the sport or activity that is causing the pain. Often Icepacks can help reduce pain and swelling as well.

2. MEDICATIONS: NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen may be taken to help reduce the pain and symptoms. Topical anti-inflammatories such as Voltaren gel (diclofenac) can also aid with relief.

3. PHYSICAL THERAPY: Exercises to stretch the forearm musculature and provide gentle strengthening are often helpful. Additionally, techniques such as dry needling, scraping the tendon, ice massage as well as muscle stimulating techniques can be helpful.

4. BRACE: Use of a counterforce brace centered over the lateral elbow tendon can help decrease symptoms. Additionally, use a wrist splint can also help calm symptoms down and aid with the resting phase.

1. INJECTIONS: Steroid injections (Cortisone) are often helpful methods to decrease pain and inflammation. Some literature debate does exist regarding implications this has for tendon health. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a biologic injection that has been designed to improve the biologic environment at the site of the injury by taking a small sample of patient blood

2. EXTRACORPEAL SHOCK WAVE THERAPY: Shock wave involves sending sound waves to the injured site with the goal of creating microtrauma that stimulates the bodies natural tendency to heal.

3. SURGERY: Surgery can exist in several different forms. This typically involves removing portions of the degenerative tendon and if indicated repairing torn structures.

Prevention: To prevent tennis elbow, it's important to avoid overusing your arm and to take breaks during activities that involve repetitive arm movements. You can also do exercises to stretch and strengthen your forearm muscles.

Conclusion: Tennis elbow might sound scary, but with rest, treatment, and prevention, most people can recover and get back to their normal activities. If you ever have pain in your elbow, don't hesitate to talk to a doctor or healthcare professional for help!

Resources:

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Information provided on this page is informational and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with your physician for information regarding your specific condition.