Tennis elbow Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is the common name for a painful, overuse condition affecting the wrist extensor tendon as it attaches to bone on the outside part of the elbow (lateral epicondyle). It is most common in people aged between 35 and 55 and is usually related to unaccustomed activity or overuse. Often people ignore the initial symptoms so that by the time they seek treatment the condition has become quite established. The condition can take several months to settle.
The main symptom is pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. The symptoms usually develop gradually, worsening as the provocative activity is repeated (i.e. gripping). The affected arm can feel stiff in the morning and painful when turning door handles or shaking hands. A diagnosis can be made by clinical examination. It is rarely necessary to use imaging techniques (X-ray, MRI, US) for this condition.
To make a full recovery, there needs to be a change in the way the arm is used so that your tendon is rested and has time to heal. Physiotherapy will help by:
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reducing pain with the use of various techniques such as acupuncture, ultrasound, deep tissue massage
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advising on activity modification
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rehabilitating the arm with a graded strengthening programme and gentle stretching
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limiting loading by supplying of an arm brace, support or the use of taping
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using injection therapy in the cases that are resistant to other treatments. This can either be done by your doctor or by one of our specially trained physiotherapists.
As well as the application of ice, topical ibuleve may help to ease the symptoms but it is most important to try and eliminate or reduce the provocative activities if at all possible.
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