What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a condition caused by rupture and/or inflammation of some of the muscle/tendons inserting to the bone prominence at the outside of the elbow. These muscles are the ones which lift the wrist and fingers. The name in the medical literature is lateral epicondylitis”. These ruptured muscle fibers show insufficient healing, weakness, and pain which prevents optimum using of the hand and arm itself. It is mostly seen between the ages of 30-50.
What are the Complaints in Tennis Elbow?
- Aching and pain on the bone prominence at the outside of the elbow
- Exacerbating pain during lifting an object
- Aching with grasping an object
- Severe pain in turning or rotating an object during active daily living of the hand and elbow usage.
- Feeling weakness in hand and wrist movements due to the affected muscles/tendons
What are the Reasons of Tennis Elbow?
There are two main reasons for tennis elbow:
- Overuse
- Trauma
Repetitive micro-traumas like overuse of the muscles inserting to the painful bony prominence, heavy lifting of an object and/or straining activities may be the reasons for tennis elbow. Although this strain can be related to sport activities such as playing tennis, it is more common in people who did heavy lifting, overuse, turning, and pressing. Direct traumas to the elbow are the rear reasons.
How to Diagnose Tennis Elbow ?
The existence of professional sports or daily activities that may be the reasons of complaints are asked to the patient. Pain in the affected area indicates the inflammation and potential tissue damage. Causing pain in some maneuvers applied during the examination may also predict the diagnosis.
How to Treat Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow treatment usually begins with the restriction of activities that cause complaints. If complaints persist, anti-inflammatory medications and ice may be applied to reduce and suppress inflammation at the site. In addition, some special splints designed for this condition can also be used. Direct drug injection can be applied to the diseased area. Physical therapy modalities may be recommended. Shock wave therapy can be tried. Despite all these treatments are performed 6-12 months with no response, surgical treatment is recommended. The aim of the surgical intervention is to achieve healing to the muscle tear at the elbow. There are open or arthroscopic techniques.
Prof. Dr. Eftal Gudemez
Orthopedics and Traumatology
Hand Surgery and Microsurgery