What is Tennis Elbow?

Have you experienced tenderness and pain over the outer part of the elbow? If you answered yes to this question, please continue to read this article to clearly define if this condition could be your problem.

Lateral epicondylitis is most commonly known as “tennis elbow”. Tendons and muscles near the bony prominence (epicondyle) on the outer elbow become inflamed and may develop tiny tears. The muscles and tendons that let you extend your wrist, open your hand and turn your palm up are most at risk for this problem. Epicondylitis can occur by using incorrect hand positioning such as grasping objects with palms down. Movement such as tennis, gardening, office work, or any other tasks that require repetitive movement can also cause irritation of the tendon, resulting gin lateral epicondylitis.

To address these early onset symptoms, one may take over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen or may consult with your physician for an anti-inflammatory prescription such as Vioxx, Celebrex, etc. At this time, if pain persists, you may notify a physician, who may at this time administer a Cortisone injection, or may refer you to seek conservative treatment with an occupational or physical therapist.

Progressive Physical Therapy’s upper extremity clinic, provides many forms of treatment for this type of diagnosis, such as anti-inflammatory modalities, the application of ice pack, resting of the tendon which requires the immobilization of wrist and hand by use of a splint. An arm air cast may be used, which applies pressure to the tendon unit to allow the involved area to rest. Progressive Physical Therapy also provides patient education to prevent symptoms from occurring in the future, such as no lifting greater than 5 lbs., avoiding lifting with the position of forearm in pronation (palms down) with elbow flexed (bent) and also decreasing the use of vibratory tools. Most patients receiving conservative treatment will likely see results within 4 weeks. At this time, if conservative treatment has been successful, the patient will begin the strengthening phase to increase strength and endurance. If the conservative treatment is not successful, the physician may recommend the surgical intervention. Following this form of treatment, the physician will likely recommend post-operative treatment to a Physical, Occupational or Hand Therapist to help patient to regain full function, strength, endurance and also to address scar management.

Although this article gives you knowledge about lateral epicondylitis, always notifying a physician regarding the symptoms is the best approach to solving this condition. We at Progressive’s Upper Extremity Clinic feel that it is essential to teach people better ways of performing their daily activities and job tasks. Handling any cumulative trauma disorders such as lateral epicondylitis is not a quick fix, it is a commitment to understanding how the injury occurs and safe effective ways of getting back to the job of living.

Submitted by: Karen Shambaugh, COTA/L, Progressive Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Clinic