Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, formally known as lateral epicondylitis, is similar to golfer’s elbow, except that it affects the other side of the elbow. The primary symptom is pain at the outside of the elbow (i.e., the lateral epicondyle). Tennis elbow ranks as the number one reason that people seek medical help for elbow pain.

The term tennis elbow is itself somewhat of a misnomer, as a wide variety of activities can cause this problem. The most common cause of tennis elbow is overuse of the wrist extensors, which pull the hand back, resulting in pain and inflammation of the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. The first sign of tennis elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow during or after intense use.

Treatment of Tennis Elbow

The first step in treating tennis elbow is to discontinue activities that cause the pain. The R.I.C.E. treatment regimen is known to be helpful in reducing both pain and swelling due to tennis elbow. Anti-inflammatory medications might also be helpful. In chronic cases, a cortisone injection might help to relieve the pain/discomfort.

Physical therapists may be able to use ultrasound to help heal the damage. They should also be able to prescribe strength and flexibility exercises. In some cases, a wrist brace or splint might be required. If non-surgical forms of treatment do not solve the problem, surgery might be recommended. In such cases, seek the advice of a medical specialist.

Alphabetical Index of Injuries:

» Achilles Tendon Rupture
» Achilles Tendonitis
» Calf Pull, Strain, or Tear
» Concussion
» Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
» Dislocated Shoulder
» Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
» Groin Pull, Strain, or Tear
» Hamstring Pull, Strain, or Tear
» Heel Spurs (Bone Spurs)
» High Ankle Sprain (Syndesmotic Ankle Sprain)
» Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
» Little League Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
» Plantar Fasciitis
» Runner’s Knee (Chondromalacia Patellae)
» Separated Shoulder
» Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)
» Shin Splints
» Sprained AC Joint
» Sprained Ankle
» Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
» Torn Rotator Cuff
» Turf Toe (Metatarsalphalangeal Joint Sprain)