Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Description

Lateral epicondylitis is a common painful condition of the lateral (outside) elbow caused by irritation of the insertion point of the wrist extensor muscles. This injury is felt to have an initial inflammatory component but chronic cases have been found to have irregular growth of collagen with very little inflammation. This injury is common in tennis players but can occur in anyone who performs repetitive resisted motions of the wrist and has also been found to occur from repetitive use of a poorly designed computer mouse.. Improperly treated tennis elbow can become a chronic injury with prolonged pain and disability. Tennis elbow is often complicated by the development of radial tunnel syndrome. (see radial tunnel syndrome)

Symptoms

Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow
Pain with gripping activities or twisting motions
 

Risk Factors

Sudden change in activity level or intensity
Incorrect grip or size of racquet (too large)
Incorrect technique (usually backhand)
Tennis racket that is too heavy

Ergonomically incorrect computer keyboard or mouse

Treatment

 

Initial treatment involves rest, ice and medication to control pain and inflammation. The most important treatment is to correct the offending activity that caused the problem in the first place. If conservative measures fail, a steroid injection if often curative but may require more then one injection. Refractory cases may require surgery.