Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a condition that affects the wrist extensor tendons on the outside of the elbow normally associated with either overuse (repetitive strain injury) or direct trauma. Despite the name, the injury is not commonly seen in tennis players but more so associated within occupational work related environments where repetitive stress takes place on the lateral side of the elbow.
Causes: The most common cause of the problem is through overuse in sports and other activities that involve repetitive wrist extension movements (forward & backward motions) and actions. Such activities may include various racquet sports and weightlifting. Other common activities include DIY (e.g. screwdriver use), driving, changing gear, writing, typing, playing musical instruments and gardening.
Symptoms & Diagnosis: Pain and swelling are the most common symptoms reported on the outside of the elbow. Pain is normally exacerbated with repetitive actions involving both the wrist and the elbow. Weakness with opening doors, carrying shopping bags, lifting a kettle and gripping objects is often reported. It is important that the injury is correctly diagnosed by the physiotherapist because neck pain and radial nerve entrapment may also mimic similar symptoms of tennis elbow.
Management: Physiotherapy will help to reduce pain and inflammation in the local area and a support may be advised to help control the symptoms in acute phases. A skilled physiotherapist will provide rehabilitation and advice to help alleviate the problem and prevent the condition from becoming recurrent. In severe cases, onward referral may be required along with subsequent intervention to assist with the management of the problem.
Please feel free to contact the G4 Clinic to speak to a member of the team for any questions that you may have.