Tennis Elbow Causes and Treatment

Tennis elbow is defined as a condition that produces severe burning pain over the bone at the side of the elbow. Over the past years, many thought that tennis elbow is an inflammation of tendons and ligaments at the elbow area however histologic studies confirm that no inflammation occurs in this disorder. It is termed medically as lateral epicondylitis, and shooter’s elbow or archer’s elbow in layman’s term. It is an overuse injury commonly associated with playing tennis, badminton and other racquet sports but can also happen in other daily activities. Tennis elbow is also considered as a degenerative disease. Although the real cause of tennis elbow has not yet been clearly defined, many studies claim that it is actually caused by small tears of the tendons and ligaments located at the muscles of the arms.

Experiments conducted before have shown that tennis elbow arises because of overexertion. However, recent studies have proven that it is more likely a result of heavy trauma, direct injuries to the epicondyle or a sudden forceful extension. There is also one theory explaining that the presence of microscopic tears between the common extensor tendon, and the periosteum of the lateral humeral epicondyle is the reason for the occurrence of tennis elbow. This study showed that most of the tennis elbow cases manifests tearing of their tendons.

Studies show that most of the people who experience this condition are those involve in heavy workloads such as construction workers and other manual laborers such as carpenters, painters and gardeners. This condition is also commonly seen in individuals who are active in sports such as tennis, badminton, lacrosse and other racquet sports. This condition is characterized by pain on the outer part of the elbow or the lateral epicondyle, point tenderness over the lateral epicondyle, pain during wrist extension and lifting movements and morning stiffness.

Diagnosing tennis elbow is performed by the physician through the application of pressure on the affected area while instructing the patient to move the elbow, wrist and fingers. Other diagnostic tools also involve the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), X-rays, and ultrasonography. However, only a minority of patients requires diagnostic studies since some results are not that reliable for example, X-rays of patients with this condition may appear normal.

Treating tennis elbow involves a variety of procedures ranging from simple basic steps to more complicated procedures such as surgery. Patients suffering from this condition are prescribed with anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, elbow braces. Exercises that are intended for the elbow are also beneficial. More complicated tennis elbow treatments include extracorporeal shock wave therapy, autologous blood injection and surgery. Extracorporeal shock wave is a therapy involving the use of sound waves to induce microtrauma to tissues that will promote the healing of the damaged tissues at the site

Since the etiology for tennis elbow has not yet been clearly defined, it is difficult for experts to identify the single most effective therapy for tennis elbow. It is therefore recommended for the population to rely on lifestyle modification for managing the discomfort brought about by this condition. They should improve the way that they perform their usual activities.