About this topic
The elbow is where your upper arm bone meets the two lower bones in your arm. There is a bump on the outside of your elbow at the bottom of your upper arm bone. It is the lateral epicondyle. A few tendons attach here. Tendons attach muscles to bone. These muscles are used to pull your wrist and fingers up. ‚
When these tendons get sore and swollen from overuse, you have lateral epicondylitis. Is also called tennis elbow. This is a common problem in tennis players. It may also happen with other activities or sports. You are more likely to have this problem in the arm you use most. It can happen in either arm. Most people get better with treatment and do not need surgery. ‚
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What are the causes?
- Using the muscles in your lower arm too much. This could be from doing the same action over and over like using a screwdriver, paintbrush, or tennis racket.
- Injury or a direct hit to the tendon
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Playing sports with a racquet like tennis and racquetball
- Using poor swinging techniques
- Using the wrong equipment like a racquet strung too tight or not tight enough, an oversized racquet, wrong grip size
- Having a job that uses repeat hand movements like painter, carpenter, plumber, roofer, auto worker, cook, or butcher
- Age 30 to 50
- Muscle tightness or lack of strength
What are the main signs?
- Pain and soreness at the outside of the elbow
- May stretch down the forearm
- Worse with movements like hitting a backhand, shaking hands, and turning doorknobs
- Weak grip
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will feel all over your elbow, lower arm, and wrist. Your doctor may have you put your arm in many positions. The doctor may push and pull on your wrist and elbow to check motion and strength. Pain when the doctor pushes on the back of your hand when your arm is straight and the wrist and fingers are pulled up can be a sign of tennis elbow. The doctor may order: ‚
- X-ray
- MRI scan
- Test to rule out compression of the nerve. This is an electromyelogram (EMG).
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest
- Ice
- Keeping the elbow raised
- Brace or strap around the elbow to lessen the stress on the tendon
- Heat may be used later but not right away. Heat can make swelling worse.
- Exercises
- Physical therapy (PT) ¢ ˆ ’ may include ultrasound, massage, and exercises
- Surgery is only needed when there is very bad harm to the tendon or if no other treatment works after 6 to 12 months.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
The doctor may give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory drug called a corticosteroid. This will help with swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Long-term elbow pain
- Injury returns
- Weak and tight muscles
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Warm up slowly and stretch before you exercise. Use good training techniques and form for sports. Have an expert look at your technique.
- When working out with weights, try to keep your elbow slightly bent instead of straightened all the way. Avoid lifting objects when your elbow is fully straightened.
- Take breaks often when doing things that use repeat movements.
- Take extra care when playing racquet sports. Ask an expert for help when choosing equipment.
- Using a two-handed backhand instead of a one-handed backhand. This puts less stress on your arm.
- Racquets with smaller head sizes, a stiffer frame, and looser strings put less stress on your arm.
- Keep a healthy weight so there is not extra stress on your joints.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00068 ‚
American Society for Surgery of the Hand ‚
http://www.assh.org/Public/HandConditions/Pages/TennisElbow.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚