Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that affects the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, you don’t have to play tennis to develop this injury. It can affect anyone who performs repetitive movements with their arms, particularly those who engage in physical labour or certain sports.

This article explores the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for tennis elbow. Understanding these key points can help in managing the condition effectively.

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons that attach to the outside of your elbow become inflamed. This is often due to repetitive motions that strain the muscles and tendons in the forearm. These motions can include:

• Playing racquet sports like tennis or badminton
• Lifting heavy objects
• Painting or decorating
• Typing and using a computer mouse for long periods
• Manual labour tasks such as carpentry or gardening

While tennis elbow is more common in people aged 30 to 50, it can happen at any age.

Recognising the Symptoms

The most noticeable symptom of tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.

This pain may spread to the forearm and wrist. Other common symptoms include:

• A weak grip, making it difficult to hold items
• Increased pain when twisting the forearm, such as turning a door handle or opening a jar
• Discomfort when lifting even light objects
• Stiffness in the elbow, particularly in the morning

If these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, it is advisable to seek medical advice from an orthopaedic surgeon.

Diagnosis

An orthopaedic surgeon will typically diagnose tennis elbow based on your medical history and physical examination. You may be asked to perform simple movements, such as extending your wrist or lifting objects, to see how your symptoms respond. In some cases, further investigations like X-rays or MRI scans may be needed to rule out other conditions.

Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow

Most cases of tennis elbow improve with conservative treatment. Here are some of the most effective options:

1. Rest and Activity Modification

The first step in treating tennis elbow is to give your elbow time to heal. Avoid activities that worsen the pain, particularly those involving repetitive arm movements. This may mean taking a break from work or sports until the condition improves.

2. Cold Compress

Applying an ice pack to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation. Use it for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

3. Physical Therapy

A physiotherapist can guide you through exercises that strengthen the muscles in your forearm and hand. Stretching exercises are also helpful for improving flexibility and reducing stiffness.

4. Pain Relief Medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help manage the pain. In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications or administer a cortisone injection to reduce inflammation.

5. Bracing

Wearing a brace or strap around your forearm can take the pressure off the affected tendon, reducing strain on the elbow.

6. Shockwave Therapy

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in the damaged tissue. This may be recommended for cases that don’t respond to other treatments.

7. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) – daycare procedure (day admission)

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat chronic pain conditions, including tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). In tennis elbow, the tendons around the outer part of the elbow become inflamed due to overuse, leading to pain and discomfort. When traditional treatments like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and steroid injections fail, RFA may be considered.

Minimally Invasive: Since it is a minimally invasive technique, RFA generally requires only local anaesthesia. Recovery time is relatively short compared to surgical interventions.

RFA can be an effective option for managing tennis elbow pain, especially when conservative measures are not enough and before considering surgery.

8. Surgery

In very rare cases where symptoms persist despite other treatments, surgery may be required. The goal of surgery is to remove damaged tissue and reattach healthy tendons to the bone. After surgery, a rehabilitation programme is essential for regaining strength and mobility.

Preventing Tennis Elbow

To reduce the risk of developing tennis elbow or experiencing a recurrence, consider these preventive tips:

• Warm up before engaging in physical activity, especially sports.
• Use the correct technique when playing sports or performing repetitive tasks.
• Take regular breaks if your job involves repetitive arm movements.
• Strengthen your forearm and hand (grip) muscles with appropriate exercises.
• Ensure your equipment, such as racquets or tools, is the correct size and weight for you.

Conclusion

Tennis elbow can be a painful and frustrating condition, but with the right treatment, most people recover fully. If you are experiencing persistent elbow pain, do not hesitate to consult an orthopaedic surgeon for a proper diagnosis and personalised treatment plan. Early intervention can help prevent the condition from worsening and improve your quality of life.

By understanding the causes and symptoms, and exploring various treatment options, you can take the necessary steps to manage tennis elbow effectively.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Maria Wong, please visit drmariawong.com and take the first step towards improving your child’s musculoskeletal health.