What causes lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

This condition usually results from abnormal stresses in the very substance of the tendon, resulting in a microscopic tear and scarring. Typical causes are sports or work related activities.

What are the symptoms?

• Pain around the lateral elbow, that is typically made worse with wrist extension.
• Swelling is sometimes seen over the inflamed area.

How to diagnose it?

Clinical examination shows:

• Pain upon palpation at lateral epicondyle
• Resisted extension of the elbow reproduces the pain

X-rays and MRI can show abnormalities and help with a more accurate diagnosis.

Functional treatment

Typically, you should start with resting the elbow and wrist, physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory medications. Modification of work or sports activities can be useful too. Sometimes, a cortisone injection is considered.

Surgery

When conservative measures fail, minimally invasive surgery can be performed and the damaged tendon will be cleaned (debrided) and lengthened through a small 2 cm incision that is made over the lateral elbow. Therapy will be required postoperatively for several weeks.