Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a painful, inflammatory condition affecting the outside part of the elbow - the lateral epicondyle. The epicondyles are the bony lumps that can be felt on either side of the elbow joint. Muscles that enable the wrist and hand to bend back (extend) are attached to the lateral epicondyle by strong tendons.
Tennis elbow can occur at any age but typically occurs in the 35 to 50 years age group. The condition affects both men and women equally. A similar condition affecting the inner part of the elbow - the medial epicondyle - is known as golfer's elbow.
Tennis Elbow
(Lateral epicondylitis)
Diagram courtesy of www.tennis-elbow.net
Signs and Symptoms
Pain around the outer part of the elbow is the most typical symptom of tennis elbow. The pain is often described as “burning” in nature. The elbow may be painful to touch and the pain may radiate down the forearm. The pain often increases with grasping, gripping, or rotation of the wrist and forearm. Straightening and bending the elbow may also cause pain.
The severity of pain can range from a mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with sleep. The pain tends to start gradually and worsen over a period of weeks or months.
When the condition is chronic (long-term), weakness of grip may be experienced.
Causes
Although lateral epicondylitis is known as tennis elbow, the term is a misnomer as sufferers are more likely to be non-players. Any repetitive activity that places strain on the muscles of the forearm (particularly the outer muscles) can cause small tears to develop in the tendon fibres. These tears occur at the point where the tendon attaches to the bone and occasionally in the covering of the bone (the periosteum). The tears cause the tendons and muscles to become inflamed, producing pain.
Activities that can cause to tennis elbow include:
- Knitting
- Hammering (eg, in carpentry)
- Tennis (particularly the backhand swing)
- Squash
- Bowling
- Painting
Diagnosis
During the physical examination the doctor will try to reproduce the pain in the elbow through specific movements. They may also assess the range of motion in the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints.
X-rays and ultrasound scanning may also be recommended in order to assist in diagnosis and to rule out other possible causes for the pain.
Treatment
In most cases of tennis elbows a combination of treatments is effective. Painful activity should be avoided and the elbow should be rested. It is important, however, that gentle movement of the elbow and forearm through the full range of motion is maintained.
Other initial treatment may include:
- Ice
- Massage
- Physiotherapy
- Acupuncture/acupressure
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- A specific wrist and forearm splint may be recommended in order to support and rest the forearm.
When elbow pain reduces, the muscles surrounding the joint should be stretched and strengthened. A physiotherapist can advise on specific exercises in order to achieve this.
If pain is still present after approximately six to eight weeks of treatment the doctor may recommend a cortisone injection into the affected area. Cortisone is a steroid medication that can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
If, after approximately 6-12 months of treatment the condition is still problematic, surgery may be recommended. This commonly involves releasing the tension of the tendon and/or removing damaged tendon fibres. Generally a graduated return to regular activity levels after surgery takes 3-6 months.
Prevention
In order to prevent the recurrence of tennis elbow, adequate stretching and strengthening of the affected muscles is important. It may also be necessary to modify or correct how activities are performed eg, correcting an incorrect tennis swing.
References
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2004) Tennis elbow. Rosemont, Illinois: AmericanAcademy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=132&topcategory=Arm
Auerbac, D.M. (2004) Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) Van Nuys, Ca: Southern California Orthopedic Institute -
http://www.scoi.com/teniselb.htm
Brukner, P. and Khan, K. (2001) Lateral elbow pain. In P.Brukner and K. Khan Clinical sports medicine (2nd ed.) Sydney: McGRAW-HILL BOOK COMPANY
Brukner, P. and Khan, K. (2001) Medial elbow pain. In P.Brukner and K. Khan Clinical sports medicine (2nd ed.) Sydney: McGRAW-HILL BOOK COMPANY
Larson, J. P. (1999). Tennis Elbow. Gale Encyclopaedia of Medicine, Edition 1, p2796. InfotracHealthReferenceCenter - Academic.
Last Reviewed - 13/12/06