What is the cause of tennis elbow? What are the common signs and symptoms of tennis elbow? What are the treatment options for tennis elbow? How can you reduce tennis elbow pain through nonsurgical methods?

Understanding Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition affecting the elbow caused by overuse. While it is commonly associated with playing tennis or other racquet sports, several other activities and occupations can also put individuals at risk of developing this condition.

Tennis elbow involves the inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. Repeated motions, such as swinging a racquet or using certain tools, can lead to damage and microtears in the tendon, resulting in pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow.

Anatomy of the Elbow

The elbow joint is composed of three bones: the humerus (upper arm bone) and the radius and ulna (bones in the forearm). The bony bump on the outside of the elbow is called the lateral epicondyle, and this is where the tendons and muscles responsible for extending the wrist and fingers attach.

The specific tendon most commonly involved in tennis elbow is the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB), which helps stabilize the wrist when the elbow is straight. Repeated stress and overuse of this tendon can lead to the development of tennis elbow.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

What causes tennis elbow? Recent studies have shown that tennis elbow is often due to damage to the ECRB muscle. When this muscle is weakened from overuse, microscopic tears can form in the tendon where it attaches to the lateral epicondyle, leading to inflammation and pain.

Tennis elbow is not limited to athletes; it can also affect individuals who engage in work or recreational activities that require repetitive and vigorous use of the forearm muscles, such as painting, plumbing, carpentry, auto work, cooking, and butchery.

Risk Factors for Tennis Elbow

Who is at risk of developing tennis elbow? Most people who experience tennis elbow are between the ages of 30 and 50, although anyone can develop the condition if they have the risk factors. In racquet sports, improper technique and equipment may contribute to the development of tennis elbow.

Interestingly, tennis elbow can also occur without any recognized repetitive injury, a phenomenon known as “insidious” or of unknown cause.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

What are the common signs and symptoms of tennis elbow? The main symptoms include pain or burning on the outer part of the elbow, as well as weak grip strength. The symptoms are often exacerbated by forearm activity, such as holding a racquet, turning a wrench, or shaking hands. The dominant arm is most commonly affected, although both arms can be impacted.

Diagnosis and Testing

How can tennis elbow be diagnosed? Your doctor may recommend various tests to rule out other potential causes of your elbow pain, such as x-rays to check for arthritis, diagnostic ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis of tennis elbow, or an MRI to look for neck problems that could be causing referred arm pain. Electromyography (EMG) may also be ordered to rule out nerve compression.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options

What are the treatment options for tennis elbow? Approximately 80% to 95% of patients with tennis elbow respond well to nonsurgical treatment approaches. The first step is to rest the affected arm, allowing it to recover from the overuse. Your doctor may also recommend taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling.

If you participate in a racquet sport, your doctor may suggest checking your equipment and technique to ensure they are not contributing to the development or worsening of your tennis elbow. Physical therapy can also be highly effective in treating tennis elbow, as it can help strengthen the forearm muscles and tendons, as well as address any underlying biomechanical issues.

In the majority of cases, a combination of rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy is sufficient to successfully manage and resolve tennis elbow without the need for surgery.