What is tennis elbow/lateral epicondylitis?

Tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis is where one of the tendons on the outside of your elbow that attach the muscles of the wrist and fingers to the bone becomes painful, thickened or swollen. It causes pain at the outside of your elbow and sometimes down your forearm. It may be tender to touch the elbow. Gripping, twisting and repetitive movements are usually painful and movements that involve using the wrist are generally painful as well. This condition has two different names, the medical term is lateral epicondylitis but it is more commonly known as tennis elbow. 

What causes tennis elbow/lateral epicondylitis?

The exact cause of tennis elbow is not known but it is thought to be an overuse injury. It may happen as a result of a sporting injury or from jobs or hobbies that require repetitive arm/wrist/hand movements. Tennis elbow occurs at any age, but most frequently affects people around the age of 40 and is more common in women than men.

Management

This condition will settle on its own; however, this could take months or years. There are some things to do to try and settle symptoms:

Resting the elbow between bouts of activity or stopping sport for a few weeks will help – the tendon needs time to heal without repetitive irritation.

Look at the activity that causes you pain and modify it if you are able or avoid it if you can.

Be aware of the force that you use to grip things. Try and use the minimum amount of force.

Never lift anything with the back of your hand showing; try to pick up ‘palm up’.

Use pain relief as required. Simple pain relief may be appropriate to help manage pain. Your GP or Pharmacist can advise you on the most appropriate medications to take however anti-inflammatory tablets or gels/creams may be helpful or pain killers may relieve the pain. Please seek advice from your pharmacist/GP before you start taking any new medication to make sure you are aware of any side effects and always follow the instructions.

Using a tennis elbow brace support may help, this takes tension off the tendon and usually makes an immediate difference to pain if it is going to work. Only wear it for activity.

Exercises of stretching and then completing a strengthening programme can help.