Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow. It is typically caused by overuse or repetitive strain on the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outer side of the elbow.
Symptoms
The symptoms of tennis elbow may include:
- Pain or tenderness on the outer side of the elbow
- Weakness in the forearm
- Difficulty gripping or lifting objects
- Stiffness in the elbow joint
- Pain that worsens with certain activities, such as gripping a racket or twisting the arm
Causes
Tennis elbow is often caused by repetitive strain on the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outer side of the elbow. This can occur as a result of activities that involve repetitive gripping, twisting, or lifting of objects, such as playing tennis or using a computer mouse.
Risk Factors
People who engage in activities that involve repetitive motions of the forearm and wrist, such as athletes, manual laborers, or office workers, may be at higher risk for developing tennis elbow. Other risk factors may include age, gender, and certain medical conditions, such as arthritis or diabetes.
Associated Conditions
Tennis elbow may be associated with other conditions that affect the elbow joint, such as arthritis or nerve compression syndromes.
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider will typically diagnose tennis elbow based on a physical examination of the affected arm and a review of the patient’s medical history. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI scans, may also be used to rule out other conditions that may be causing the symptoms.
Differential Diagnosis
Other conditions that can present with similar symptoms to tennis elbow include other types of tendonitis, such as golfer’s elbow, as well as nerve compression syndromes and arthritis.
Treatment Options
The treatment for tennis elbow may include rest, ice, and physical therapy to help reduce pain and inflammation and to improve strength and flexibility in the affected arm. Over-the-counter pain medications or corticosteroid injections may also be used to help manage pain and inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or remove damaged tissue.
Typical Recovery Timeframes
The recovery time for tennis elbow can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment used. Mild cases may resolve with rest and conservative treatment within a few weeks, while more severe cases may take several months or even longer to fully heal.
Prognosis
With proper treatment and management, most people with tennis elbow will make a full recovery and regain full function of their arm. However, in some cases, the injury may cause long-term complications, such as chronic pain or weakness in the affected arm.