Tennis elbow: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Symptoms can include any of the following: Elbow pain that gets worse over time Pain that radiates from the outside of the elbow to the forearm and back of the hand when grasping or twisting Weak grasp Exams and Tests Your doctor or nurse will examine you. The exam may show: Pain or tenderness when the tendon is gently pressed near where it attaches to the upper arm bone, over the outside of the elbow Pain near the elbow when the wrist is bent backwards X-rays may be done. Treatment The first step is to rest your arm for 2 or 3 weeks and avoid the activity that causes your symptoms. You may also want to: Put ice on the outside of your elbow 2 to 3 times a day. Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. If your tennis elbow is due to sports activity, you may want to: Ask your health care provider about any changes you can make to your technique. Check the sports equipment you are using to see if any changes may help. If you play tennis, changing the grip size of the racket may help.

Think about how often you play, and whether you should cut back. If your symptoms are related to working on a computer, ask your manager about changing your workstation or your chair, desk, and computer setup. A physical therapist can show you exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles of your forearm. You can buy a special brace for tennis elbow at most drugstores. It wraps around the upper part of your forearm and takes some of the pressure off the muscles. Your doctor may also inject cortisone and a numbing medicine around the area where the tendon attaches to the bone. This may help decrease the swelling and pain. If the pain continues after 6 to 12 months of rest and treatment, surgery may be recommended. Talk with your orthopedic surgeon about the risks and whether surgery might help. Outlook (Prognosis) Elbow pain may get better without surgery. But most people who have surgery have full use of their forearm and elbow afterwards.

When to Contact a Medical Professional Call for an appointment with your health care provider if: This is the first time you have had these symptoms Home treatment does not relieve the symptoms Alternative Names Epitrochlear bursitis; Lateral epicondylitis; Epicondylitis - lateral Images Brummel J, Baker CL III, Hopkins R, Baker CL, Jr. Epicondylitis: lateral. Sports Med Arthrosc. 2014;22:e1-6. Pitzer ME, Seidengerg PH, Bader DA. Elbow tendinopathy. Med Clin North Am. 2014;98:833-849. Regan WD, Grondin PP, Morrey BF. Elbow and forearm. In: DeLee JC, Drez D Jr., Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2009:chap 19. Review Date 9/8/2014 Updated by: C.

Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Related MedlinePlus Health Topics Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's and Baseball Elbow) | Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's and Baseball Elbow) See related health What is medial epicondylitis? Click Image to Enlarge Medial epicondylitis, also known as golfer's elbow, baseball elbow, suitcase elbow, or forehand tennis elbow, is characterized by pain from the elbow to the wrist on the inside (medial side) of the elbow. The pain is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm. A tendon is a tough cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones. What causes medial epicondylitis? Medial epicondylitis is caused by the excessive force used to bend the wrist toward the palm, such as swinging a golf club or pitching a baseball.

Other possible causes of medial epicondylitis include the following: Serving with great force in tennis or using a spin serve Weak shoulder and wrist muscles Using a too tightly strung, too short, and/or too heavy tennis racket Throwing a javelin Chopping wood with an ax Operating a chain saw Frequent use of other hand tools on a continuous basis What are the symptoms of medial epicondylitis? The following are the most common symptoms of medial epicondylitis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. The most common symptom of medial epicondylitis is pain along the palm side of the forearm, from the elbow to the wrist, on the same side as the little finger. The pain can be felt when bending the wrist toward the palm against resistance, or when squeezing a rubber ball. The symptoms of medial epicondylitis may resemble other medical problems or conditions. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis. How is medial epicondylitis diagnosed? The diagnosis of medial epicondylitis usually can be made based on a physical examination. The doctor may rest the arm on a table, palm side up, and ask the patient to raise the hand by bending the wrist against resistance.

If a person has medial epicondylitis, pain usually is felt in the inner aspect of the elbow. Treatment for medial epicondylitis Specific treatment for medial epicondylitis will be determined by your doctor based on: Your age, overall health, and medical history Extent of the condition Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, and therapies Expectation for the course of the condition Your opinion or preference Treatment for medial epicondylitis includes stopping the activity that produces the symptoms. It is important to avoid the movement that caused the condition in the first place. Treatment may include: Ice pack application (to reduce inflammation) Strengthening exercises Health information - What is Lateral Epicondylitis? (Also known as Tennis Elbow) Eric Pifel, M.D. & Mindy Ganske, PAC The Orthopedic Institute of Wisconsin Lateral epicondylitis is commonly referred to as "tennis elbow” and affects 1-3% of the general population and 15% of workers in at risk industries. Tennis elbow, as the name implies, is often caused by the force of the tennis racket hitting balls in the backhand position.

The forearm muscles, which attach to the outside of the elbow, may become sore from excessive strain. Tendons that connect these forearm muscles to the lateral bones of the elbow can roll over the end of the elbow and become damaged when making a backhand stroke in tennis. Specifically, tennis elbow can occur with improper backhand stroke, weak shoulder and wrist muscles, using an excessively tightly strung or short tennis racket, hitting the ball off center on the racket, or hitting heavy, wet balls. However, lateral epicondylitis is not limited to tennis players alone. It can be caused by a variety of sports and occupational activities such as painting with a brush or roller, operating a chain saw, or frequent use of other hand tools on a continuous basis. The pain associated with tennis elbow is typically well localized and radiates into the upper arm or down to the forearm. The pain may increase down to the wrist, even at rest, if the person continues the activity that causes the condition. It is aggravated by lifting, repetitious use of the forearm and wrist, and shaking hands. Pain may cause weakness of the forearm. Symptoms of epicondylitis may occur suddenly or can develop gradually over time.

Once they appear, symptoms are often persistent, although pain may spontaneously resolve. Symptoms occur most frequently in the dominant arm. The diagnosis of tennis elbow usually can be made based upon a history of pain over the lateral epicondyle and on a physical examination. The physical examination findings may include local tenderness directly over the lateral epicondyle, pain aggravated by resisted wrist extension, pain aggravated by strong gripping or decreased grip strength. There is usually normal elbow range of motion and visual swelling is uncommon. Sometimes, an anesthetic-injection test is performed to confirm the diagnosis. In this test, an anesthetic is injected into the affected area. Epicondylitis is confirmed if the pain is temporarily relieved. In some cases, an x-ray of the elbow is necessary. The goals of treatment are to allow the healing of forearm muscles and tendons, to reduce secondary inflammation, and to restore forearm muscle strength. Treatment of lateral epicondylitis in the acute period consists of activity restriction, pain relief, and immobilization. Movements involving the inflamed elbow such as lifting, hammering, repetitious wrist motion, and fine hand work should be eliminated to facilitate healing and avoid possible further injury.

If tasks at work absolutely require such repetitive movements, then these actions should be avoided outside the workplace. Ice applied to the affected epicondyle for 15 to 20 minutes every four to six hours often results in pain relief. In patients who continue to have pain, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug may be helpful. Many people find that immobilization for three to four weeks of the affected wrist and forearm reduces symptoms. Additionally, studies illustrate the effectiveness of corticosteroid injections within the first 6 weeks. Physical therapy has also been found to be effective after the acute period. Although rarely indicated, surgery, or lateral epicondylar debridement, may be considered in patients with refractory disease in whom symptoms have persisted for one year or longer. Finally, preventive measures can be taken to prevent injury or recurrence of injury. A healthy elbow requires a healthy shoulder and wrist joint, and strong biceps and triceps to decrease the load on the smaller forearm muscles. Measures that avoid overuse and strain in the elbow and/or forearm include: Take frequent breaks from activities that require extensive hand/wrist motions. Reduce or avoid lifting objects with the arm extended. Reduce repetitive gripping and grasping with the hand and wrist.

Decrease the overall tension of gripping. Avoid the extremes of bending and full extension. Work or weight train with the elbow in a partially flexed position. Use wrist supports when weight training. When using tools, increase the gripping surface by wearing gloves or adding padding. Use a hammer with extra padding to reduce tension and impact. Hold heavy tools with two hands. Use a two handed backhand in tennis. Apply grip tape or an oversized grip on golf clubs. [ Contact us | Request an appointment ] DISCLAIMER: This web site contains general medical information and does not replace the medical advice of your physician. If you have questions about your medical condition or exercises, ask your doctor or health care provider. Copyright 2017 The Orthopedic Institute of Wisconsin. All Rights Reserved. Tennis Elbow - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center Tennis Elbow What is tennis elbow? Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is swelling of the tendons that bend your wrist backward away from your palm. A tendon is a tough cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones. The tendon most likely involved in tennis elbow is called the extensor carpi radialis brevis.

Tennis elbow is usually diagnosed in both men and women between the ages of 30 and 50 years. What causes tennis elbow? Tennis elbow, as the name implies, is often caused by the force of the tennis racket hitting balls in the backhand position. Your forearm muscles, which attach to the outside of your elbow, may become sore from excessive strain. When making a backhand stroke in tennis, the tendons that roll over the end of our elbow can become damaged. Tennis elbow may be caused by: Improper backhand stroke Weak shoulder and wrist muscles Using a tennis racket that is too tightly strung or too short Other racquet sports, like racquetball or squash Hitting the ball off center on the racket, or hitting heavy, wet balls However, many people who suffer from tennis elbow do not play tennis. The problem can be caused by any repetitive movement. Other causes of tennis elbow include: Painting with a brush or roller Operating a chain saw Frequent use of other hand tools on a regular basis Using repeated hand motions in various professions, such as meat cutters, musicians, dentists, and carpenters What are the symptoms of tennis elbow? The following are the most common symptoms of tennis elbow.

However, you may experience symptoms differently. At first, you may have pain, burning, or an ache along the outside of your forearm and elbow. With time, the pain gets worse. If you continue the activity that caused your condition, the pain may spread down to your wrist, even at rest. Pain may also persist when you place your arm and hand palm-down on a table, and then try to raise your hand against resistance. You may also feel pain when you try to lift and grip small objects, such as a coffee cup. A weak grip is another symptom of tennis elbow. The symptoms of tennis elbow may resemble other medical problems or conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is tennis elbow diagnosed? Your healthcare provider can usually diagnosis your tennis elbow by a physical exam. In some cases, you may certain tests, such as: An X-ray to look at the bones of your elbow to see if you have arthritis in your elbow. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can show your tendons and how severe the damage is. An MRI of your neck can show if arthritis in your neck, or disk problems in your spine are causing your arm pain.

Electromyography (EMG) of your elbow may show if you have any nerve problems that may be causing your pain. How is tennis elbow treated? It’s important to avoid the movement that caused your injury in the first place. Treatment may include: Rest and stopping the activity that produces the symptoms Ice packs (to reduce inflammation) Strengthening and stretching exercises Anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) If these treatments do not work, your healthcare provider may talk to you about: Bracing the area to keep it still for a few weeks or use of a special brace with activities Steroid injections to help reduce swelling and pain A special type of ultrasound that can help break up scar tissue, increase blood flow, and promote healing Surgery (rarely necessary) What can I do to prevent tennis elbow? Keep your arms flexible and strong Avoid repetitive movements Warm up before exercising or using your arms for sports or other repetitive movements If you play a racquet sport, make sure your equipment is right for you When should I call my healthcare provider?

If pain or trouble moving affects your regular daily activities If your pain doesn’t get better, or it gets worse with treatment You see a bulge or lump on your arm Key points about lateral epicondylitis Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, is swelling or tearing of the tendons that bend your wrist backward away from your palm. It’s caused by repetitive motion of the forearm muscles, which attach to the outside of your elbow. The muscles and tendons become sore from excessive strain. Symptoms include pain, burning, or an ache along the outside of the forearm and elbow. It gets worse and may spread down to the wrist if the person continues the activity that causes the condition. The grip may become weak. Lateral epicondylitis is diagnosed by an exam of the elbow joint. The healthcare provider may need an X-ray or MRI to see what’s causing the problem. An EMG may be done to look for nerve problems. Lateral epicondylitis can be treated with rest and medicines to help with the inflammation. Exercises often help too. Rarely, surgery may be done to repair the tendon.

You can help prevent lateral epicondylitis by doing things like warming up before exercise or sports, increasing activity slowly, using the right equipment for activities, and strengthening your arm muscles. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations to get rest and manage pain and swelling. Let your healthcare provider know if these strategies don’t help reduce pain, swelling, and loss of function. Next steps Tennis Elbow Brace | Golfers Elbow Brace, Elbow Tendonitis Brace 9 Item(s) What Is Tennis Elbow and How Can a Tennis Elbow Brace Help? Lateral epicondylitis, better known as tennis elbow, is a condition wherein the outer part of the elbow becomes sore and tender. Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that can be caused by racquet sports such as tennis (hence the name), badminton, squash, racquetball, etc. However, this condition can also be caused by other sports like climbing and swimming as well as manual labor and other everyday activities.

It's no surprise, then, that most people who suffer from this condition and need treatment for tennis elbow are current or former athletes who use the same repetitive motion of the elbow and arm for many years while playing their sport and those whose work or occupation involve overexertion of the elbow. Tennis elbow often affects the lateral side of the elbow region, specifically the common extensor tendon that originates from the lateral epicondyle. Patients suffering from tennis elbow feel acute pain in the affected part when the arm is extended. Although surgery is the only tennis elbow cure, there are several options available when it comes to tennis elbow treatment, such as taking medication—specifically non-steroidal/anti-inflammatory drugs—and even surgery for the most persistent cases. However, the cheapest, simplest, and most effective treatment is the use of an arm or elbow strap, specifically a tennis arm strap. Tennis elbow braces mainly help reduce pain in the afflicted area, which allow people suffering from lateral epicondylitis to return to their sports or other physical activity. How Can a Tennis Elbow Strap Help Treat Golfer's Elbow? Medial epicondylitis or golfer's elbow is an inflammatory condition of the medial epicondyle.

Golfer's elbow, just like lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow, is an overuse injury. Golf, as its name suggests, is one of the many causes of golfer's elbow, the others being racquet sports, throwing sports, weight training, and even activities that involve repetitive wrist, hand, or arm movements such as hammering and chopping wood. Left untreated without a golfers elbow brace, golfer's elbow may cause chronic elbow pain, limited range of motion in the afflicted area, and a lasting and fixed bend (contracture) in the elbow. The treatment for golfer's elbow may include anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone or steroidal injections, and stretching exercises. One of the most effective solutions, however, is wearing a golfer's elbow brace or a medial epicondylitis strap. Treating tennis elbow with a medial epicondylitis brace helps reduce strain at the elbow epicondyle and limits pain provocation as well as protects against further damage even while you continue playing your chosen sport.

The Bauerfeind EpiTrain Support: An Effective Tennis Elbow Support or Golfer's Elbow Brace The EpiTrain Elbow Support by Bauerfeind is an elbow tendonitis brace that provides specifically targeted compression to relieve the pain and prevent the worsening of medial and lateral epicondylitis as well as other medical conditions of the elbow. As an effective tennis elbow support brace or golfer's elbow brace, the EpiTrain (which has earned the prestigious iF design award in 2007) provides instant pain relief and targeted compression. The compression system of this brace causes increased blood flow, temperature regulation, and a number of other natural healing benefits in addition to structural support. As such, the EpiTrain is extremely beneficial not only for patients suffering from tennis elbow or golfer's elbow, but also for those who have other sports-related conditions including tendomyopathy, chronic swelling or edema, osteoarthritis or arthritis, and acute sprains and strains. BraceAbility offers a variety of tennis arm straps, elbow straps, and golfer's elbow braces depending on your needs. Not sure what arm straps and elbow straps you require? No problem.

Our customer service representatives are here to help you choose the right brace for tennis elbow. To speak with one, please call us at (866) 712.7808. We'll be glad to assist you in choosing the best golf elbow brace. Body Part Medial Epicondylitis Medial Epicondylitis What is Medial Epicondylitis? Also known as ‘Golfer’s Elbow’, medial epicondylitis is a type of elbow tendinitis, which is similar to the Tennis Elbow. However, the main difference is that this condition usually develops from harm caused to tendons on the inside of the elbow, while the ‘tennis elbow’ is caused by damaged caused to the tendons on the outside. Despite the name, this condition doesn’t only affect golfers, and any repetitive forearm, hand, or wrist motions can lead to microscopic tears on the inside tendons of your elbow. What are the Symptoms of Medical Epicondylitis? The symptoms of medical epicondylitis include tenderness and pain on the inner side of your elbow.

The pain may also sometimes extend to the inner side of your forearm or lower arm and is likely to worsen with certain movements. What are the Causes of Medial Epicondylitis? The symptoms of medical epicondylitis include tenderness and pain on the inner side of your elbow. The pain may also sometimes extend to the inner side of your forearm or lower arm and is likely to worsen with certain movements. Other symptoms of golfer’s elbow include numbness or tingling sensations in the ring and little fingers, weakness in wrists and hands, stiffness in elbows. The pain might worsen if you flex your wrists, life weights, turn a doorknob, or make a fast. What are the Treatment Options available for Medial Epicondylitis? Applying ice packs to your elbow three to four times a day for about 15 to 20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol, Aleve, Advil, Motrin IB, and others. Using elbow straps or counter-force braces to reduce strain at the medial epicondyle and prevent further damage.

Performing exercises for tendon/muscle reconditioning starting with gradual strengthening and stretching of flexor-pronator muscles. Injections that may entail cortisone or possibly a regenerative medicine treatment such as PRP therapy or a stem cell procedure. If all else, fails, doctors may suggest treatment via surgery. Epicondylar debridement may be performed to decompress the ulnar nerve surgically. Conditions - Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) | Cooper University Health Care - World-Class Healthcare for South Jersey, Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley Weak shoulder and wrist muscles Using a tennis racket that is too tightly strung or too short Other racquet sports, like racquetball or squash Hitting the ball off center on the racket, or hitting heavy, wet balls However, many people who suffer from tennis elbow do not play tennis. The problem can be caused by any repetitive movement. Other causes of tennis elbow include: Painting with a brush or roller Operating a chain saw Frequent use of other hand tools on a regular basis Using repeated hand motions in various professions, such as meat cutters, musicians, dentists, and carpenters What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?

The following are the most common symptoms of tennis elbow. However, you may experience symptoms differently. At first, you may have pain, burning, or an ache along the outside of your forearm and elbow. With time, the pain gets worse. If you continue the activity that caused your condition, the pain may spread down to your wrist, even at rest. Pain may also persist when you place your arm and hand palm-down on a table, and then try to raise your hand against resistance. You may also feel pain when you try to lift and grip small objects, such as a coffee cup. A weak grip is another symptom of tennis elbow. The symptoms of tennis elbow may resemble other medical problems or conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is tennis elbow diagnosed? Your healthcare provider can usually diagnosis your tennis elbow by a physical exam. In some cases, you may certain tests, such as: An X-ray to look at the bones of your elbow to see if you have arthritis in your elbow. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can show your tendons and how severe the damage is. An MRI of your neck can show if arthritis in your neck, or disk problems in your spine are causing your arm pain.

Electromyography (EMG) of your elbow may show if you have any nerve problems that may be causing your pain. How is tennis elbow treated? It’s important to avoid the movement that caused your injury in the first place. Treatment may include: Rest and stopping the activity that produces the symptoms Ice packs (to reduce inflammation) Strengthening and stretching exercises Anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) If these treatments do not work, your healthcare provider may talk to you about: Bracing the area to keep it still for a few weeks or use of a special brace with activities Steroid injections to help reduce swelling and pain A special type of ultrasound that can help break up scar tissue, increase blood flow, and promote healing Surgery (rarely necessary) What can I do to prevent tennis elbow? Keep your arms flexible and strong Avoid repetitive movements Warm up before exercising or using your arms for sports or other repetitive movements If you play a racquet sport, make sure your equipment is right for you When should I call my healthcare provider?

If pain or trouble moving affects your regular daily activities If your pain doesn’t get better, or it gets worse with treatment You see a bulge or lump on your arm Key points about lateral epicondylitis Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, is swelling or tearing of the tendons that bend your wrist backward away from your palm. It’s caused by repetitive motion of the forearm muscles, which attach to the outside of your elbow. The muscles and tendons become sore from excessive strain. Symptoms include pain, burning, or an ache along the outside of the forearm and elbow. It gets worse and may spread down to the wrist if the person continues the activity that causes the condition. The grip may become weak. Lateral epicondylitis is diagnosed by an exam of the elbow joint. The healthcare provider may need an X-ray or MRI to see what’s causing the problem. An EMG may be done to look for nerve problems. Lateral epicondylitis can be treated with rest and medicines to help with the inflammation. Exercises often help too. Rarely, surgery may be done to repair the tendon.

You can help prevent lateral epicondylitis by doing things like warming up before exercise or sports, increasing activity slowly, using the right equipment for activities, and strengthening your arm muscles. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations to get rest and manage pain and swelling. Let your healthcare provider know if these strategies don’t help reduce pain, swelling, and loss of function. Next steps Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)-OrthoInfo - AAOS Copyright 2015 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) This article is also available in Spanish: Codo de tenista (epicondilitis lateral) (Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)) Codo de tenista (epicondilitis lateral) (Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)) (topic.cfm?topic=A00765). Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition of the elbow caused by overuse. Not surprisingly, playing tennis or other racquet sports can cause this condition. However, several other sports and activities can also put you at risk.

Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse — repeating the same motions again and again. This leads to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. There are many treatment options for tennis elbow. In most cases, treatment involves a team approach. Primary doctors, physical therapists, and, in some cases, surgeons work together to provide the most effective care. Anatomy Your elbow joint is a joint made up of three bones: your upper arm bone (humerus) and the two bones in your forearm (radius and ulna). There are bony bumps at the bottom of the humerus called epicondyles. The bony bump on the outside (lateral side) of the elbow is called the lateral epicondyle. Muscles, ligaments, and tendons hold the elbow joint together. Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, involves the muscles and tendons of your forearm. Your forearm muscles extend your wrist and fingers. Your forearm tendons — often called extensors — attach the muscles to bone. They attach on the lateral epicondyle.

The tendon usually involved in tennis elbow is called the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB). The ECRB muscle and tendon is usually involved in tennis elbow. Reproduced and modified from The Body Almanac. © American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2003. Cause Overuse Recent studies show that tennis elbow is often due to damage to a specific forearm muscle. The extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle helps stabilize the wrist when the elbow is straight. This occurs during a tennis groundstroke, for example. When the ECRB is weakened from overuse, microscopic tears form in the tendon where it attaches to the lateral epicondyle. This leads to inflammation and pain. The ECRB may also be at increased risk for damage because of its position. As the elbow bends and straightens, the muscle rubs against bony bumps. This can cause gradual wear and tear of the muscle over time. Activities Courtesy Thinkstock © 2015. Athletes are not the only people who get tennis elbow. Many people with tennis elbow participate in work or recreational activities that require repetitive and vigorous use of the forearm muscle.

Painters, plumbers, and carpenters are particularly prone to developing tennis elbow. Studies have shown that auto workers, cooks, and even butchers get tennis elbow more often than the rest of the population. It is thought that the repetition and weight lifting required in these occupations leads to injury. Age Most people who get tennis elbow are between the ages of 30 and 50, although anyone can get tennis elbow if they have the risk factors. In racquet sports like tennis, improper stroke technique and improper equipment may be risk factors. Unknown Lateral epicondylitis can occur without any recognized repetitive injury. This occurence is called "insidious" or of an unknown cause. Symptoms Location of pain in lateral epicondylitis. Reproduced from Griffen L (ed): Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care, Third Edition. © American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2005. The symptoms of tennis elbow develop gradually. In most cases, the pain begins as mild and slowly worsens over weeks and months. There is usually no specific injury associated with the start of symptoms.

Common signs and symptoms of tennis elbow include: Pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow Weak grip strength The symptoms are often worsened with forearm activity, such as holding a racquet, turning a wrench, or shaking hands. Your dominant arm is most often affected; however both arms can be affected. Top of page Doctor Examination Your doctor will consider many factors in making a diagnosis. These include how your symptoms developed, any occupational risk factors, and recreational sports participation. Your doctor will talk to you about what activities cause symptoms and where on your arm the symptoms occur. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever injured your elbow. If you have a history of rheumatoid arthritis or nerve disease, tell your doctor. During the examination, your doctor will use a variety of tests to pinpoint the diagnosis. For example, your doctor may ask you to try to straighten your wrist and fingers against resistance with your arm fully straight to see if this causes pain. If the tests are positive, it tells your doctor that those muscles may not be healthy. Tests Your doctor may recommend additional tests to rule out other causes of your problem. X-rays. These tests provide clear images of dense structures like bone. They may be taken to rule out arthritis of the elbow.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. If your doctor thinks your symptoms are related to a neck problem, an MRI scan may be ordered. MRIs scans show details of soft tissues, and will help your doctor see if you have a possible herniated disk or arthritis in your neck. Both of these conditions often produce arm pain. Electromyography (EMG). Your doctor may order an EMG to rule out nerve compression. Many nerves travel around the elbow, and the symptoms of nerve compression are similar to those of tennis elbow. Wrist stretching exercise with elbow extended. Approximately 80% to 95% of patients have success with nonsurgical treatment. Rest. The first step toward recovery is to give your arm proper rest. This means that you will have to stop participation in sports or heavy work activities for several weeks. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. Drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen reduce pain and swelling. Equipment check. If you participate in a racquet sport, your doctor may encourage you to have your equipment checked for proper fit. Stiffer racquets and looser-strung racquets often can reduce the stress on the forearm, which means that the forearm muscles do not have to work as hard.

If you use an oversized racquet, changing to a smaller head may help prevent symptoms from recurring. Physical therapy. Specific exercises are helpful for strengthening the muscles of the forearm. Your therapist may also perform ultrasound, ice massage, or muscle-stimulating techniques to improve muscle healing. Counterforce brace. Brace. Using a brace centered over the back of your forearm may also help relieve symptoms of tennis elbow. This can reduce symptoms by resting the muscles and tendons. Steroid injections. Steroids, such as cortisone, are very effective anti-inflammatory medicines. Your doctor may decide to inject your damaged muscle with a steroid to relieve your symptoms. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Shock wave therapy sends sound waves to the elbow. These sound waves create "microtrauma" that promote the body's natural healing processes. Shock wave therapy is considered experimental by many doctors, but some sources show it can be effective. Surgical Treatment If your symptoms do not respond after 6 to 12 months of nonsurgical treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery. Most surgical procedures for tennis elbow involve removing diseased muscle and reattaching healthy muscle back to bone. The right surgical approach for you will depend on a range of factors.

These include the scope of your injury, your general health, and your personal needs. Talk with your doctor about the options. Discuss the results your doctor has had, and any risks associated with each procedure. Open surgery. The most common approach to tennis elbow repair is open surgery. This involves making an incision over the elbow. Open surgery is usually performed as an outpatient surgery. It rarely requires an overnight stay at the hospital. Arthroscopic surgery. Tennis elbow can also be repaired using miniature instruments and small incisions. Like open surgery, this is a same-day or outpatient procedure. Surgical risks. As with any surgery, there are risks with tennis elbow surgery. The most common things to consider include: Infection Nerve and blood vessel damage Possible prolonged rehabilitation Loss of flexibility The need for further surgery Rehabilitation. Following surgery, your arm may be immobilized temporarily with a splint. About 1 week later, the sutures and splint are removed. After the splint is removed, exercises are started to stretch the elbow and restore flexibility. Light, gradual strengthening exercises are started about 2 months after surgery. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to athletic activity. This is usually 4 to 6 months after surgery.

Tennis elbow surgery is considered successful in 80% to 90% of patients. However, it is not uncommon to see a loss of strength. An injection of PRP is used to treat tennis elbow. Courtesy of Allan K. Mishra, MD, Menlo Park, CA. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is currently being investigated for its effectiveness in speeding the healing of a variety of tendon injuries. PRP is a preparation developed from a patient's own blood. It contains a high concentration of proteins called growth factors that are very important in the healing of injuries. Current research on PRP and lateral epicondylitis is very promising. A few treatment centers across the country are incorporating PRP injections into the nonsurgical treatment regimen for lateral epicondylitis. However, this method is still under investigation and more research is necessary to fully prove PRP's effectiveness. Top of page Last reviewed: July 2015 AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice.

Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS "Find an Orthopaedist" program on this website. Copyright 2015 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Related Articles Tennis Elbow Symptoms, Braces, Treatments, Support, and More What Is the Outlook for People With Tennis Elbow? " Tennis elbow " is a common term for a condition caused by overuse of arm, forearm, and hand muscles that results in elbow pain . You don't have to play tennis to get this, but the term came into use because it can be a significant problem for some tennis players. Tennis elbow is caused by either abrupt or subtle injury of the muscle and tendon area around the outside of the elbow. Tennis elbow specifically involves the area where the muscles and tendons of the forearm attach to the outside bony area (called the lateral epicondyle) of the elbow. Your doctor may call this condition lateral epicondylitis. Another common term, "golfer's elbow," refers to the same process occurring on the inside of the elbow -- what your doctor may call medial epicondylitis.

Overuse injury can also affect the back or posterior part of the elbow as well. Tennis elbow most commonly affects people in their dominant arm (that is, a right-handed person would experience pain in the right arm), but it can also occur in the nondominant arm or both arms. What Are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow? Symptoms of tennis elbow include: Pain slowly increasing around the outside of the elbow. Less often, pain may develop suddenly. Pain is worse when shaking hands or squeezing objects. Pain is made worse by stabilizing or moving the wrist with force. Examples include lifting, using tools, opening jars, or even handling simple utensils such as a toothbrush or knife and fork. Who Gets Tennis Elbow? Tennis elbow affects 1% to 3% of the population overall and as many as 50% of tennis players during their careers. Less than 5% of all tennis elbow diagnoses are related to actually playing tennis. Tennis elbow affects men more than women. It most often affects people between the ages of 30 and 50, although people of any age can be affected.

Although tennis elbow commonly affects tennis players, it also affects other athletes and people who participate in leisure or work activities that require repetitive arm, elbow, wrist, and hand movement, especially while tightly gripping something. Examples include golfers, baseball players, bowlers, gardeners or landscapers, house or office cleaners (because of vacuuming, sweeping, and scrubbing), carpenters, mechanics, and assembly-line workers. Continued How Is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed? Tennis elbow cannot be diagnosed from blood tests and rarely by X-rays. Rather, it is usually diagnosed by the description of pain you provide to your doctor and certain findings from a physical exam , such as worsening of the pain when you try to extend your wrist against resistance. Since many other conditions can cause pain around the elbow, it is important that you see your doctor so the proper diagnosis can be made. Then your doctor can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Tennis elbow usually is successfully treated by medical means -- such as physical therapy , forearm bracing to rest the tendons, topical anti-inflammatory gels, topical cortisone gels, and cortisone injections. It only rarely requires surgery.

The type of treatment prescribed for tennis elbow will depend on several factors, including age, type of other drugs being taken, overall health, medical history, and severity of pain. The goals of treatment are to reduce pain or inflammation , promote healing, and decrease stress and abuse on the injured elbow. How Is Pain and Inflammation Reduced in Tennis Elbow? To reduce the pain and inflammation of tennis elbow, try: Rest and avoid any activity that causes pain. Apply ice to the affected area. Cortisone-type medication may be put on topically by you or injected into the sore area by your doctor. How Can I Promote Healing of Tennis Elbow? This step begins a couple of weeks after the pain of tennis elbow has been reduced or eliminated. It involves specific physical-therapy exercises to stretch and strengthen muscles and tendons around the injured elbow. Any activity that aggravates the pain must be avoided. How Do I Decrease Stress and Abuse on Tennis Elbow? To help lessen the continued stress and abuse on tennis elbow: Use the proper equipment and technique in sports and on the job. Use of a counter-force brace, an elastic band that wraps around the forearm just below the injured elbow (tendon) may help to relieve pain in some people.

Avoid tight gripping and overuse of the wrist. Pay attention to the movements that cause pain. Continued What Is the Outlook for People With Tennis Elbow? Overall, 90% to 95% of people with tennis elbow will improve and recover with the treatment plan described. However, about 5% of people will not get better with conservative treatment and will need surgery to repair the injured muscle-tendon unit around the elbow. For 80% to 90% of people who have surgery, it results in pain relief and return of strength. WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by David T. Derrer, MD on February 27, 2016 Sources

Question: The medical condition ‘epicondylitis’ is better known by what name?
Answer: Tennis elbow