Lateral Epicondylitis
What is it?
Lateral epicondylitis,
commonly know as "tennis elbow", is an inflammation of the fibers
that attach the muscles extending from the outside of the elbow to the
wrist and fingers. Pain may be felt where these fibers attach to the bone
on the outside of the elbow or along the muscles in the forearm. Pain
is usually more noticeable during or after stressful and/or repetitive
use of the arm. In severe cases, lifting and grasping even light things
may be hard. Because people who play tennis or other racquet sports sometimes
develop this problem from improper playing technique, it has become known
as "tennis elbow".
What causes it?
Repetitive use of
the arm or an injury to this area may stress or damage the muscle attachment
and cause tennis elbow symptoms. Generally, people who develop this problem
are involved in activities with repetitive motion of the wrist and arm
or lifting with the palm side of the hand facing down.
Signs and symptoms.
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Diagram
1 |
The area of most discomfort is usually found over the bony prominence on the outer side of the elbow known as the lateral epicondyle (see Diagram 1). This area is usually tender when touched and the discomfort can be recreated by resisting when the wrist is bent back or extended, by resisting when the fingers are straightened, or when the forearm is turned. In severe cases, any elbow movement can be uncomfortable. X-rays of the elbow are usually taken and are important for making sure there are no other reasons for pain in this area.
Treatment.
The goal of treatment
is to eliminate the pain of this condition. Treatment may include stopping
activities that cause the pain, such as heavy lifting with the palm facing
down. Your hand surgeon may recommend exercises that stretch and strengthen
the muscles to help the condition from returning. Sometimes a band wrapped
around the forearm near the elbow is used to protect the injured muscles
as they are healing. In some cases, the wearing of a splint may be recommended
to allow the injury to heal. Anti-inflammatory medication, taken by mouth
or in severe or long-lasting cases injected into the area, may relieve
the discomfort of lateral epicondylitis. As the condition improves, there
is usually a slow return to normal activities.
If nonsurgical forms of treatment do not eliminate the pain of this condition, surgery may be recommended. Your hand surgeon can advise you on the surgical treatment for lateral epicondylitis.
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