Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
 

 What is it?

This condition affects the muscles on the top side of the forearm (the wrist extensors). This condition is characterised by pain on the outer tip of the bone on the outside edge of the elbow. This is a place where the extensors muscles of the forearm taper down and collectively insert to the bone. This is area is called the CEO (common extensor origin). Common symptoms are point tenderness, occasional swelling and pain on gripping or contracting the wrist extensor muscles or when playing backhand shots in tennis or other racquet sports.
 

Causes
 

Symptoms of this condition generally arise following an overuse of the wrist extensor muscles. They may occur immediately if the area is subjected to a sudden force or over time following many repetitions of the same activity or if the muscles are performing tasks to which they are not accustomed i.e. intensive D.I.Y.
 

Typically this area is subject to degeneration and suffers from repetitive micro trauma overtime. This combined with a poor blood supply and a reduced ability to heal itself leads to initial inflammation and subsequent pain. It is more common in people in their 30s to 50s but can affect people of any age. Occasionally, areas away from the site of pain can be implicated in the exacerbation of this condition. Sometimes the lower neck and upper back region can refer pain to this area or perhaps compromise the normal functioning of a nerve which serves the elbow region.
 

Treatment
 

Following a thorough examination and assessment of the presenting problem, advice and treatment may include the following:
 

• Rest from the aggravating activity

• Use of Ice packs to reduce inflammation and swelling

• Taping / strapping or tennis elbow clasps to offload the injured tissues

• Electrotherapy i.e. Ultrasound or Laser treatment to control pain and inflammation

• Soft tissue manipulation to restore normal tissue feel and function

• Joint mobilisations to the neck, shoulder and elbow

• Acupuncture to reduce pain, normalise tissue tone and improve blood flow

• Individually tailored exercise programme to stretch, strengthen and rehabilitate back to fitness and minimise injury recurrence

• Liaison with trainers or coaches to identify training errors or suggest racquet modifications if appropriate