Tennis Elbow

What is Tennis Elbow?

Also known as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is a common and painful condition affecting the elbow, caused by micro-tearing of a group of tendons known as the common extensors.

These tendons originate on the outer part of the elbow, extending down the forearm to the wrist and fingers, and are responsible for wrist and finger extension. The ECRB (extensor carpi radialis brevis) tendon is commonly involved in tennis elbow.

What are the Causes?

Tennis elbow results from micro-tearing, often due to repetitive loading, of the common extensor tendons. Activities requiring forceful contraction of forearm muscles or repetitive wrist and finger extensions, such as playing tennis, pose a particular risk. Factors like high intensity and frequency of play, improper techniques or equipment, and muscle imbalance can contribute to tennis elbow. It is also prevalent in various professions like musicians, cooks, carpenters, butchers, and painters.

What are the Symptoms?

Patients typically experience pain, aches, or a burning sensation over the outer part of the elbow or forearm. Symptoms worsen with gripping or forceful wrist extension against resistance, and some patients may present with weakness in grip strength.

How is it Diagnosed?

Tennis elbow can be diagnosed by a doctor through symptom assessment and physical examination. In some cases, radiological imaging such as X-rays or MRI may be required.

What are the Treatments?

For many individuals, conservative treatments are the first line and suffice to manage tennis elbow effectively. These may include:

Rest and Activity Modification: Giving the affected arm adequate rest and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms.
Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles and tendons of the forearm, as well as techniques to improve biomechanics and ergonomics.
Bracing or Splinting: Using braces or splints to provide support and reduce strain on the affected tendons.
Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, or other pain-relieving medications to alleviate discomfort and inflammation.

For chronic tennis elbow, your doctor might recommend shock wave therapy or injections with steroids or PRP (platelet-rich plasma).

Do I Need Surgery for Tennis Elbow?

While conservative measures are successful for many patients, some individuals may find that their symptoms persist despite these interventions. In such cases, your orthopaedic doctor may recommend tennis elbow release surgery. This procedure is typically considered when:

Symptoms persist for a significant duration despite conservative treatment.
Pain and limited mobility significantly impair daily activities and quality of life.
There is evidence of severe tendon damage or degeneration.

The Surgical Procedure:

Tennis elbow release surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.....