tENNIS ELBOW

 

Tennis elbow is a condition where the common extensor tendon, which is the tendon that attaches to the elbow and is responsible for backhand(wrist extension) movements of the wrist, gets injured. Although tennis players can get this condition, it happens to anyone who has overstressed the tendons.

Another name for tennis elbow is Lateral Epicondylitis which is where the tendon is inflamed. We now know that it is not the most common cause of tennis elbow. The correct name is common extensor tendinosis. Most tendon injuries result in overuse in the tendon that attaches to the bone which can cause the tendon to weaken or tear.

How do you know if you have Lateral Epicondylitis?

Tennis elbow typically develops over time and is usually caused in people who are extending their wrists as the common extensor tendon moves the wrist. Symptoms can include pain and stiffness over the outside of the elbow, radiating pain down the arm, or difficult grabbing objects. Ultrasound is equivalent to MRI to see if there is a tendon injury and is inexpensive and can be done in the clinic to measure the severity of the injury.

What are the treatments for Lateral Epicondylitis?

Nonsurgical options include activity modification including changing the way you use your wrist or reducing activity that aggravates you, bracing such as a tennis elbow brace as seen in the picture below, or physical therapy exercises.