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Tennis elbow

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Elbow - side view
Elbow - side view
Superficial anterior muscles
Superficial anterior muscles

Alternative names    Return to top

Epitrochlear bursitis; Lateral epicondylitis; Epicondylitis - lateral

Definition    Return to top

Tennis elbow is an inflammation, soreness, or pain on the outside (lateral) side of the upper arm near the elbow. There may be a partial tear of the tendon fibers, which connect muscle to bone, at or near their point of origin on the outside of the elbow.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors    Return to top

This injury is caused by repetitively twisting the wrist or forearm. The injury is classically associated with tennis playing, hence the name "tennis elbow," but any activity that involves repetitive twisting of the wrist (like using a screwdriver) can lead to lateral epicondylitis.

Symptoms    Return to top

Signs and tests    Return to top

The diagnosis is made by clinical signs and symptoms, since X-rays are usually normal. Often there will be pain or tenderness when the tendon is gently pressed near where it attaches to the upper arm bone, over the outside of the elbow

There is also pain near the elbow when the wrist is extended (bent backwards, like revving a motorcycle engine) against resistance.

Treatment    Return to top

Treatment is aimed at pain relief and reducing inflammation. Treatment methods include:

To prevent the recurrence of the injury, a splint may be worn during aggravating activities, or the activities may need to be modified. If the pain persists despite these nonoperative treatments, surgery may be necessary.

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

Over 90% of people improve with non-surgical treatment. Of the 10% that need surgery, 90% of these experience subsequent relief.

Complications    Return to top

Calling your health care provider    Return to top

Apply home treatment (over-the-counter anti-inflammatory analgesics and immobilization) if symptoms are mild or if you have had this disorder before and you know this is what you have.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if this is the first time you have had these symptoms, or if home treatment does not relieve the symptoms.

Prevention    Return to top

Maintain good strength and flexibility in the arm muscles or avoid repetitive motions. Rest the elbow when flexion and extension is painful. An ice pack applied to the outside of the elbow after repetitive motion may help alleviate symptoms.

Update Date: 8/3/2004

Updated by: Kevin B. Freedman, M.D., Section of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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