Lateral epicondylitis is pain over the outside of the elbow. It is also called tennis elbow, but tennis isn't the only cause.
Lateral EpicondylitisCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Tendons connect muscles to bone. Repetitive or stressful movements of the muscles causes strain and pain at the tendon. The forearm muscles are active when a person grips something, such as a tennis racquet. Repeated strain on these muscles can cause damage to the tendon and pain.
Any repetitive motion can cause lateral epicondylitis. Tennis and golf are common causes. Other common causes include raking, using hammer or screwdriver, painting, and rowing.
This problem is more common in older adults. Other things that may raise the risk are:
Symptoms happen slowly over time and may be:
Pain may be worse when:
The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. They may also ask about recent physical activity. A physical exam will be done. The doctor can often make the diagnosis based on this.
The goal of treatment is to ease pain and help with healing. The joint will need rest from movement that causes strain and pain. Absolute rest may not be needed. Steps that may help to ease pain include:
Lateral epicondylitis can return. It can help to have movements evaluated. This may mean seeing a coach about tennis or golf swing or better set up at work station. Some pain may not respond to basic care. Injections may help to manage pain. Injection may have corticosteroid medicine or platelet-rich plasma.
To lower the risk of lateral epicondylitis:
Ortho Info—
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.org
Sports Med—American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.sportsmed.org
Canadian Association of General Surgeons
http://www.cags-accg.ca
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org
Lai WC, Erickson BJ, et al. Chronic lateral epicondylitis: challenges and solutions. Open Access J Sports Med. 2018;9;243-251.
Lateral elbow tendinopathy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/lateral-elbow-tendinopathy. Accessed January 28, 2021.
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/tennis-elbow-lateral-epicondylitis. Accessed January 28, 2021.
Last reviewed January 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Teresa Briedwell, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS