A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia.
Tennis elbow
Epitrochlear bursitis; Lateral epicondylitis; Epicondylitis - lateral
Last reviewed: August 11, 2012.
Tennis elbow is soreness or pain on the outside (
lateral) side of the upper
arm near the elbow.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The part of the muscle that attaches to a
bone is called a tendon. Some of the
muscles in your
forearm attach to the bone on the outside of your elbow.
When you use these
muscles over and over again, small tears develop in the tendon. Over time, this leads to irritation and pain where the tendon is attached to the
bone.
This injury is common in people who play a lot of tennis or other racquet sports, hence the name "tennis elbow." Backhand is the most common stroke to cause symptoms.
However, any activity that involves repetitive twisting of the
wrist (like using a screwdriver) can lead to this condition. Therefore, painters, plumbers, construction workers, cooks, and butchers are all more likely to develop tennis elbow.
This condition may also be due to constant computer keyboard and mouse use.
Symptoms
Elbow pain that gradually worsens
- Pain radiating from the outside of the elbow to the forearm and back of the hand when grasping or twisting
- Weak grasp
Signs and tests
Your doctor or nurse will examine you. The exam may show:
Pain or tenderness when the tendon is gently pressed near where it attaches to the upper arm bone, over the outside of the elbow.
- Pain near the elbow when the wrist is bent backwards.
X-rays may be done.
Treatment
The first step is to rest your
arm and avoid the activity that causes your symptoms for at least 2 - 3 weeks. You may also want to:
Put ice on the outside of your elbow 2 - 3 times a day.
- Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin).
If your tennis elbow is due to sports activity, you may want to:
- Ask about any changes you can make in your technique.
- Check any sports equipment you are using to see if any changes may help. If you play tennis, changing your grip size of the racket may help.
- Think about how often you have been playing and whether you should cut back.
If your symptoms are related to working on a computer, ask your manager about making changes to your work station or have someone look at how you chair, desk, and computer are set up.
An occupational therapist can show you exercises to stretch and strengthen the
muscles of your
forearm.
You can buy a special brace for tennis elbow at most drug stores. It wraps around the upper part of your
forearm and takes some of the pressure off the
muscles.
Your doctor may also inject
cortisone and a numbing medicine around the area where the tendon attaches to the
bone. This may help decrease the swelling and pain.
If the pain continues after 6 - 12 months of rest and treatment, surgery may be recommended. Talk with your orthopedic surgeon about the risks, and whether surgery might help.
Expectations (prognosis)
Elbow pain may get better without surgery. However, most people who have surgery have full use of their elbow
forearm afterwards.
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