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Tennis Elbow
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow is the common term for lateral epicondylitis, an overuse injury that causes an inflammation of the tendon fibers that attach the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. This injury is not limited to those who play tennis.
What causes tennis elbow?
Everyday use of the arm can stress the muscles in forearm and elbow. Causes range from housepainting or carrying a baby to using a computer and playing sports such as tennis or golf.
Symptoms
Pain near the bone on the outer side of the elbow. The area is usually tender to the touch and uncomfortable when gripping.
Initial Evaluation
The physician will examine your arm and elbow and ask about your medical history, any injuries you may have sustained to your arm, the job that you perform, hobbies or sports you participate in, etc. An X-ray or other lab tests may be performed to rule out other causes of your symptoms.
Although tennis elbow injuries can be painful, the good news is they rarely become chronic if caught early and treated properly. Correcting your form by just a fraction of an inch can have substantial positive results. Other options include rest, ice, cortisone injections and ceasing or changing your activity. Counterforce or tennis elbow straps can also decrease symptoms. Physicians may also suggest a wrist splint to decrease pain. If surgery becomes necessary, arthroscopic procedures are minimally invasive, provide a relatively short recovery period, and can produce long-lasting results.
Back to Hand Injuries and Conditions
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