Tennis Elbow-Lateral Epicondylitis FAQ&nbsp

written by: Dr Athena Au

(Last updated on: October 27th  2022) 

Q: Doctor, I’ve never played tennis; why do I have tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is a painful condition on the outside of your elbow. The correct clinical name is lateral epicondylitis. Repeat overload of the forearm extensor muscles and tendons leads to muscle micro-tears, inflammation, and pain. Lateral epicondylitis has been named ‘tennis elbow’ since it is common amongst tennis players and athletes who play racquet sports. 

However, other sports or activities can also cause this condition. For example, individuals with regular heavy lifting, fencers and musicians can also suffer from tennis elbow overuse.

How to diagnose tennis elbow?

Diagnosis of tennis elbow is usually by physical examination.

• Tender points appeared on the lateral side of the elbow joint
• When applying resistance to the wrist while bending upwards, does the patient feel a sensation of pain around the lateral side of the elbow w
• Pulling and pain sensation when bending the wrist downward
• The muscles of the forearm become stiff, accompanied by pain when gripping or twisting objects

Treatment for tennis Elbow

Early treatment of this condition is paramount to stop it from becoming a long-term problem. Treatment for tennis elbow is multimodal. The first line of treatment is conservative, with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroid injections, physiotherapy, shock-wave therapy and a tennis elbow band.

 A tennis elbow brace helps treat this condition in 2 ways. First, the band limits the force exerted across the affected muscle, the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB), hence letting the muscle rest and heal. 

The compressive effect also helps with reducing pain. Secondly, the band serves as a reminder to patients to rest and avoid exacerbating motions.

Surgery as a second option

 If conservative treatment fails, we suggest performing surgery to remove the bundles of inflamed muscles and surrounding scars. The procedure is a day procedure under local anaesthesia.

If you think you may suffer from this condition, find your nearest upper limb specialist for a proper assessment to start treatment early.