Tennis Elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow. It results from overuse and strain of the muscles and tendons in the forearm that are responsible for extending the wrist and fingers. Repetitive motions and stress can cause microtears and inflammation in the tendons attaching to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow.
Clinical Evaluation
Patient History: Assessment of activities that may contribute to overuse of the forearm muscles, such as sports, repetitive work tasks, or hobbies.
Physical Examination: Palpation of the lateral epicondyle to identify tenderness, pain during wrist extension or finger extension against resistance, and evaluation of range of motion.
Imaging Studies
X-Ray: To rule out other conditions such as arthritis or fractures.
MRI or Ultrasound: To assess the extent of tendon damage and rule out other potential causes of pain.
Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow.
Pain that radiates into the forearm and wrist.
Weak grip strength.
Pain worsens with activities that involve lifting, gripping, or twisting motions.
Stiffness in the elbow, particularly in the morning.
Swelling and inflammation around the elbow.
Treatment for Tennis Elbow focuses on relieving pain and inflammation and promoting healing of the affected tendons:
Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the condition to allow the tendons to heal.
Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to the elbow to reduce pain and inflammation.
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles and improve flexibility, along with techniques to modify activities and reduce strain on the elbow.
Bracing: Using a forearm strap or brace to reduce strain on the affected tendons.
Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain in severe cases.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive treatment that uses shock waves to promote healing of the tendon.
Surgery: In rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove damaged tissue and repair the tendon if conservative treatments fail.