Lateral
Epicondylitis or "Tennis Elbow"
What is
it?
Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as
“tennis elbow,” is an inflammation of the
tendon fibers that attach the forearm
extensor muscles to the outside of the
elbow. These muscles lift the wrist and
hand. Pain may be felt where these fibers
attach to the bone on the outside of the
elbow or along the muscles in the forearm.
Pain is usually more noticeable during or
after stressful use of the arm. In severe
cases, lifting and grasping even light
things may be painful. Because people who
play tennis or other racquet sports
sometimes develop this problem from improper
playing technique, it has become known as
“tennis elbow.” Medial epicondylitis or
“golfers elbow” is a similar condition that
occurs on the inside of the elbow.
What
causes it?
Routine use of the arm or an injury to this
area may stress or damage the muscle
attachment and cause tennis elbow symptoms.
Generally, people who develop this problem
may be involved in activities with motion of
the wrist and arm or lifting with the palm
side of the hand facing down. The condition
is quite common in our late 30s and early
40s.
Signs
and symptoms.
The area of most pain is usually found near
the bone on the outer side of the elbow
known as the lateral epicondyle (see
Diagram). This area is usually tender when
touched and may be uncomfortable when
gripping. In severe cases, almost any elbow
movement can be uncomfortable.
Treatment.
Treatment may include stopping or limiting
activities that cause the pain, such as
heavy lifting with the palm facing down.
Sometimes a band wrapped around the forearm
near the elbow is used to protect the
injured muscles as they are healing. In some
cases, the wearing of a wrist splint may be
recommended for the same purpose.
Anti-inflammatory medication, can be taken
by mouth. In severe or long-lasting
episodes, an injection of medication into
the area may relieve the discomfort. Your
hand surgeon may recommend exercises that
stretch and strengthen the muscles to help
prevent the condition from returning. Some
patients respond to additional treatment
through therapy. As the condition improves,
there is usually a slow return to normal
activities. Recurrence of this condition is
common.
If nonsurgical
forms of treatment do not eliminate the pain
of this condition, surgery may be
recommended. Your hand surgeon can advise
you on the surgical treatments for lateral
epicondylitis and the possible outcomes.
Lateral epicondylitis is often a nagging or
chronic condition sometimes requiring many
months for healing to occur.
Tennis elbow is
localized to the area where the extensor
muscle is attached to the lateral epicondyle.
Figure 1
Tennis elbow is localized to the area where
the extensor muscle is attached to the
lateral epicondyle.
Copyright ©
American Society for Surgery of the Hand
2001.
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