Tennis Elbow Patient Education
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a painful overuse injury to the extensor tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow.
The inflamed tendon usually responsible for lateral epicondylitis is the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB).
As the nickname “tennis elbow” suggests, forceful motions associated with tennis and racquet sports can cause inflammation to these tendons, but any activity or job that requires repetitive use of the forearm muscles or hand and wrist extension can lead to this condition.
What causes Tennis Elbow?
The most common cause of lateral epicondylitis is overuse of the forearm muscles that stabilize your wrist and connect to the outside of the elbow at the lateral epicondyle.
When your elbow is extended during forceful or repetitive actions in work or recreational activities, inflammation or micro-tears can occur in the extensor tendons at the lateral epicondyle.
Overuse – the ECRB tendon can become inflamed or damaged when it repeatedly rubs against bony bumps in the elbow joint.
Work activities – jobs that require constant use of the forearm or extension of the wrist and hand are especially susceptible to lateral epicondylitis.
Age – most people who experience tennis elbow are between the ages of 30 and 50.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Lateral epicondylitis symptoms are often felt during activities that involve holding something tight, straightening the wrist, or lifting the hand and may include:
- Pain on the outside of the elbow
- Burning sensation radiating from the outside of the elbow into the hand or wrist
- Weakened grip strength
- Difficulty or pain when turning a doorknob
Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatments for Tennis Elbow
For most patients, lateral epicondylitis is treatable with nonsurgical options. Surgical treatment may be advised if the condition persists after non-surgical treatments or if your physician determines severe damage. Treatments for your tennis elbow include:
Surgical Treatments for Tennis Elbow
- Arthroscopic surgery – involving making two to three small incisions over your elbow and inserting thin instruments to remove damaged tendon tissue and reattach the healthy portion with the help of a guiding camera. This is a same-day or outpatient procedure.
- Open surgery – involving making an incision on the side of your elbow to removed damaged tendon tissue and reattach the healthy portion. This usually requires an overnight hospital stay.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Tennis Elbow
- Cortisone steroid injections
- Medications such as acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen
- Physical therapy techniques such as exercises that strengthen your forearm muscles or the ultrasound, ice massage, and muscle stimulation
- Wearing a brace centered over the back of your forearm
- Stopping or limiting participation in any sports or activities causing pain
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy to create “microtrauma” in your elbow which stimulates your body’s healing process