Tennis elbow is the common name for the elbow condition lateral epicondylitis. It is an overuse injury that causes inflammation and other tendon abnormalities that attach to the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow. It is a painful condition occurring from repeated muscle contractions in the forearm that leads to inflammation and microtears in the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle. The lateral epicondyle is the bony prominence that is felt on the outside of the elbow and the condition is more common in sports individuals playing tennis. Patients with tennis elbow experience certain symptoms and they include: Elbow pain that gradually worsens, pain to the outside of the elbow that radiates to the forearm and wrist with grasping objects, weak grip, painful grip, and pain exacerbated in the elbow when the wrist is bent back. Conservative treatment includes rest, activity modification, physical therapy, bracing, and injections (corticosteroids, PRP). If conservative treatment options fail to resolve the condition and symptoms persist, your surgeon may recommend you undergo a surgical procedure to treat called lateral epicondyle release surgery to decrease symptoms. The goal of surgery is to remove the diseased tissue around the inner elbow, improve blood supply to the area to promote healing, and alleviate the symptoms.
Dr. Cole’s related publications
Dr. Cole’s related videos
- Elbow videos
- Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow – Management and Treatment Options
- Biologic Association Presentation: Clinical Application of Orthobiologics – Tendons