What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, and epicondyle bursitis, is a condition in which there is tenderness around a bony prominence called the epicondyle, at the lateral (outer) aspect of elbow.

How Is Tennis Elbow Related To Tennis?

Tennis elbow is a condition that commonly follows a period of over activity, particularly unaccustomed activity that involves active extension (to stretch out) and supination (turning palm upward) of the wrist. The backhand swing of tennis involves such movements and can injure the tendons and muscles of the elbow thus leading to inflammation and pain.

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

Any activity involving repeated movement of the wrist and forearm, or repeated twisting of the wrist coupled with inadequate rest, may cause Tennis elbow. Possible activities include:

• Working with a screw driver
• Painting with a brush
• Hammering
• Scissoring

Such activities may cause tiny tears in the muscle fibers and the tendons attaching the muscles of the forearm to the epicondyles. These tears may heal themselves if given sufficient rest but if the activity is vigorous or continued, healing becomes delayed and there is prolonged inflammation and tissue degeneration of the tendons.

What Are The Main Symptoms Of Tennis Elbow?

• Pain on the lateral aspect of the elbow.
• Pain that becomes worse on doing some work.
• A weak grip.
• Stiffness in the forearm.
• Restriction of elbow movements.

What Are The Standard Treatment Options For Tennis Elbow?

The aim of the treatment is to allow the tendon to heal. Some helpful measures include:

• Avoidance of the activity that is causing the injury.
• Ice or heat application.
• Analgesics
• Anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Local injection of steroids.
• Splints to keep the elbow and forearm fixed in a resting position.
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy