Dr BurkeWhat Is Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation on the outer part of the elbow. It occurs when the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the elbow become overloaded, usually due to repetitive motion. While it’s commonly associated with tennis players, tennis elbow can affect anyone who performs repetitive wrist and arm movements, such as painters, carpenters, or office workers. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide expert care for tennis elbow, offering conservative and advanced treatment options to relieve pain and restore arm function.
Tennis elbow is a condition caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the tendons in the forearm that attach to the lateral epicondyle, the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow. The repeated stress leads to small tears in the tendon fibers, resulting in inflammation, pain, and discomfort.
Although tennis elbow is commonly associated with racquet sports like tennis, it can occur in any activity that involves repetitive wrist and forearm motions. Activities such as typing, using hand tools, painting, or even carrying heavy objects can trigger the condition. Tennis elbow typically affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50, though it can occur at any age.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow develops due to repetitive strain and overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Repetitive Motions: Activities that involve repeated wrist extension, gripping, or twisting motions can strain the tendons in the forearm. This is common in athletes (especially tennis players), manual laborers, and individuals who perform repetitive tasks at work or home.
- Improper Technique: Using improper techniques in sports, particularly in tennis or racquet sports, can place additional stress on the forearm muscles and lead to tennis elbow. Incorrect backhand strokes or poor form while lifting can contribute to tendon overuse.
- Overuse: A sudden increase in the intensity or duration of physical activity can overload the tendons, leading to microtears and inflammation.
- Age-Related Degeneration: As we age, tendons become less flexible and more prone to injury. This can increase the likelihood of developing tennis elbow, especially in individuals who continue to engage in repetitive activities.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
The symptoms of tennis elbow typically develop gradually and worsen with continued use of the affected arm. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Elbow Pain: Pain is usually felt on the outside of the elbow and may radiate down the forearm. The pain is often worse with activities that involve gripping, lifting, or twisting the wrist.
- Weak Grip: Individuals with tennis elbow may experience a weakened grip, making it difficult to hold objects or perform tasks that involve grasping or twisting.
- Tenderness: The area around the lateral epicondyle may be tender to the touch, and pressing on the affected area can increase discomfort.
- Pain with Wrist Movements: Pain may increase when bending the wrist backward, extending the arm, or rotating the forearm, especially during activities like shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or lifting objects.
- Stiffness: The elbow may feel stiff or tight, particularly in the morning or after periods of rest.
Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, diagnosing tennis elbow involves a thorough physical examination and, in some cases, imaging tests to assess the severity of the condition.
1. Physical Examination: The doctor will evaluate the affected arm by checking for tenderness, swelling, and pain during movement. They may ask you to perform specific tasks, such as gripping or extending your wrist, to assess the location and severity of the pain.
2. Imaging Tests:
- X-rays: X-rays are often used to rule out other potential causes of elbow pain, such as fractures or arthritis. While X-rays cannot show soft tissue injuries like tendon inflammation, they provide a clear view of the bones in the elbow.
- Ultrasound or MRI: In some cases, an ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to provide detailed images of the tendons and soft tissues around the elbow. These imaging tests can help confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the tendon damage.
Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Treatment for tennis elbow at Dr. Burke Orthopedics focuses on reducing pain, relieving inflammation, and restoring normal arm function. Most cases of tennis elbow can be treated with non-surgical methods, but surgery may be required in severe or persistent cases.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Resting the affected arm and avoiding activities that aggravate the elbow, such as repetitive wrist or arm movements, is essential to allow the tendon to heal. Modifying activities or using proper techniques can help prevent further strain on the elbow.
- Ice and Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Applying ice to the elbow can help reduce swelling and relieve pain, especially in the early stages of the condition. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is a crucial component of treating tennis elbow. A customized rehabilitation program will include exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles, improve flexibility, and promote tendon healing. Eccentric strengthening exercises, where the muscles lengthen while under tension, are particularly effective for treating tennis elbow.
- Bracing or Taping: Wearing a forearm brace or using taping techniques can help relieve pressure on the affected tendon by redistributing the load away from the inflamed area. This can reduce pain and improve function during daily activities.
- Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered directly into the affected tendon to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from pain. These injections are typically used with caution, as repeated use may weaken the tendon over time.
2. Surgical Treatments: Surgery is rarely required for tennis elbow but may be considered in cases where non-surgical treatments do not provide relief after several months. Surgical options include:
- Tendon Debridement: This procedure involves removing damaged tissue from the tendon to promote healing. It is typically performed arthroscopically, using small incisions and specialized instruments.
- Tendon Release: In some cases, the surgeon may release part of the tendon to relieve pressure and reduce inflammation. This procedure can also be done arthroscopically, minimizing recovery time.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from tennis elbow depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach. For non-surgical cases, most patients experience significant improvement within several weeks to months with proper rest and physical therapy.
- Non-Surgical Recovery: Patients undergoing non-surgical treatments will typically begin physical therapy as soon as the acute pain subsides. Strengthening and stretching exercises are essential for improving tendon health and preventing future injuries. Most patients can return to their normal activities within 6-12 weeks, depending on the severity of the condition.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: For patients who undergo surgery, recovery times vary depending on the procedure. After surgery, the elbow may need to be immobilized for a short period to allow healing, followed by a structured physical therapy program to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility in the arm. Full recovery can take several months, but most patients can return to their normal activities with proper rehabilitation.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring a full recovery and a return to pain-free movement.
Why Choose Dr. Burke Orthopedics for Tennis Elbow?
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer expert care for patients with tennis elbow, providing both conservative and surgical treatment options based on the severity of the condition. Our team of orthopedic specialists is committed to helping patients relieve pain, restore arm function, and prevent future injuries. With advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans, we ensure that each patient receives the best possible care for their specific condition. Whether you’re dealing with elbow pain from sports or everyday activities, Dr. Burke Orthopedics is here to help you on your path to recovery.