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Lateral epicondylitis, commonly referred to as tennis elbow, is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the tendons that attach to the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow. It is a painful condition occurring from repeated muscle contractions in the forearm that leads to inflammation and micro-tears in the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle. The lateral epicondyle is the bony prominence that is felt on the outside of the elbow.

Patients with tennis elbow experience certain symptoms and they include:

  • Elbow pain that gradually worsens
  • Pain to the outside of the elbow that radiates to the forearm and wrist with grasping objects
  • Weak grip
  • Painful grip
  • Pain is exacerbated in the elbow when the wrist is bent back

Tennis Elbow is usually caused by overuse of the forearm muscles but may also be caused by direct trauma such as with a fall, car accident, or work injury.

Tennis elbow is commonly seen in tennis players, hence the name, especially when poor technique is used when hitting the ball with a backhand stroke. Other common causes include any activity that requires repetitive motion of the forearm such as:

  • Painting
  • Hammering
  • Typing
  • Raking
  • Weaving
  • Gardening
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Playing musical instruments

Your physician will evaluate tennis elbow by,

  • Medical History
  • Physical Examination
  • Diagnostic procedures such as X-rays

Your physician will recommend conservative treatment options to treat the tennis elbow symptoms. These may include:

  • Limit use and rest the arm from activities that worsen symptoms.
  • Splints or braces may be ordered to decrease stress on the injured tissues
  • Ice packs to the elbow for swelling
  • Avoid activities that tend to bring on the symptoms and increase stress on the tendons
  • Anti-inflammatory medications and/or steroid injections to treat pain and swelling may be ordered.
  • Occupational Therapy may be ordered for strengthening and stretching exercises to the forearm once your symptoms have decreased
  • Pulsed Ultrasound may be utilized to increase blood flow and healing to the injured tendons.

Your surgeon will decide which options are best for you depending on your specific circumstances.