Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that occurs when the muscles and tendons in the elbow are overloaded, strained, or injured due to repetitive motions. 

This injury causes inflammation, resulting in pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow and forearm.

Despite its name, tennis elbow can affect anyone who frequently engages their forearm muscles in gripping, twisting, or lifting activities. Rest, pain medications, and physical therapy can all help ease the symptoms of these injuries.

Causes of tennis elbow

The exact cause of tennis elbow is unknown. However, intense, repetitive motions using the forearm and elbow could damage the tendon that connects the forearm muscles to the elbow.

Common factors that can increase the risk of tennis elbow include: 

• Playing racquet sports (e.g., tennis, squash, badminton).

• Improper technique in racquet sports, like making the wrong wrist movements during backhand strokes.

• Repetitive manual labour (e.g., carpentry, gardening, plumbing).

• Lifting heavy weights regularly

• Older than 40 years old

• Overweight

In addition to the previously mentioned conditions, some individuals may develop tennis elbow without a specific cause, known as idiopathic tennis elbow.

Symptoms of tennis elbow

Tennis elbow symptoms begin mildly and gradually worsen over weeks and months. Here are some common symptoms of tennis elbow, including:

• Pain on the outer part of the elbow that may also radiate into the forearm and wrist.

• Pain when moving elbow and forearm during lifting, gripping, or twisting motions.

• Weak grip strength, which makes holding objects or performing simple tasks like turning a doorknob challenging.

• Stiffness in the elbow that often worsens in the morning or after periods of rest.

• Rarely, the condition may cause numbness in the hand or forearm.

If you feel that your tennis elbow symptoms do not improve and get worse over time, request an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

Diagnosis of tennis elbow

To diagnose tennis elbow, your doctor will begin by discussing your symptoms and any challenges you've had with moving the affected elbow. They may then review your medical history and conduct a physical examination of the elbow joint to assess its range of motion and stiffness.

In addition to that, to get a better diagnosis, healthcare professionals can perform imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out other potential causes of elbow pain, such as arthritis or fractures.

Treatment options for tennis elbow

Treatment for tennis elbow depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases can be treated at home, but if symptoms persist, non-surgical treatments might be necessary.

However, if the injury is severe, we may need to consider surgical procedures. Here are the available treatment options for tennis elbow:

Self-treatment

• R.I.C.E. methods

  • Rest: Avoid using the affected elbow to prevent the injury from worsening. 

  • Ice: Apply ice to the injured area to reduce swelling and pain. Do this for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

  • Compression: To minimise swelling, compress the damaged elbow with an elastic bandage or brace.

  • Elevation: Elevate the injured hand above the level of your heart to reduce swelling.

• Over-the-counter medications

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.

Nonsurgical treatments

• Physical therapy

  • Tennis elbow can be treated through forearm muscle stretching and strengthening exercises. 

  • To restore movement and aid with tendon healing, a physical therapist might recommend eccentric or range-of-motion exercises. 

• Corticosteroid injections

  • To help reduce inflammation and pain, healthcare professionals may recommend corticosteroid injections.

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

  • PRP therapy involves injecting a concentration of the patient's own platelets into the damaged tendon to promote healing.

• Bracing

  • A counterforce brace or wrist splint can be used to reduce tension on the tendons by redistributing pressure away from the damaged area.

• Ultrasonic tenotomy

  • This procedure uses ultrasound to guide a special needle through the skin and into the damaged part of the tendon. 

  • Ultrasonic soundwaves then vibrate the needle so that the damaged tissue turns to liquid, which can be sucked out.

• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)

  • This non-invasive treatment uses shock waves to stimulate healing in the affected tendon.

However, if your condition worsens with persistent pain and discomfort after non-surgical treatment, you should consult a doctor. Don’t hesitate to request for an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical.

Invasive procedure (surgery)

If the conservative treatments didn’t succeed in improving the injury after six to twelve weeks, tennis elbow surgery may be considered.

The procedure typically involves removing damaged tissue and repairing the tendon. Most surgeries for tennis elbow are outpatient procedures, allowing you to return home the same day.

Prevention of tennis elbow

You can't completely prevent tennis elbow, especially if it's the result of an activity you can't avoid. However, you can lower your risk by taking a few preventative measures, such as:

• Use proper equipment: 

  • Be sure your racquets and tools are ergonomic and fit your size to prevent excessive strain on the elbow tendon.

• Strengthen your forearm muscles: 

  • Increasing the strength of your forearm muscles helps them bear the strain of exercise.

• Warm-up: 

  • Before engaging in racket sports or any physical activities that require intense elbow movement, warm up to prepare your muscles and tendons.

• Practice proper technique: 

  • Whether in sports or work, maintaining proper form can reduce strain on the forearm muscles.

  • Make sure to pay attention to your form while lifting weights, such as during deadlifts or carrying heavy weights. The right technique and posture help reduce any extra strain on your elbow joints. 

• Take breaks: 

  • Avoid prolonged and repetitive movements by taking regular breaks during activities that involve gripping, twisting, or lifting.

FAQ

What is the fastest way to cure tennis elbow?

The fastest way to treat tennis elbow is to rest your elbow joint and take any prescribed medications to facilitate healing.

Will tennis elbow go away on its own?

Most cases of tennis elbow go away with rest and conservative treatments within 6 to 12 weeks. However, chronic cases may take longer, and in some instances, symptoms can persist for several months.

What are the signs of tennis elbow?

There are a few signs of tennis elbow, such as: 

• Pain on the outer part of the elbow and forearm, especially when you try to move it. 

• Weak grip strength.

• Stiffness in the elbow.

• Numbness in the hand or forearm.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Book an appointment with Thomson Medical today.