Tennis elbow not only for tennis players
The so-called tennis elbow (medical term: epicondylitis lateralis humeri) is a painful irritation of the tendon insertions on the outer elbow. Despite the name, the condition does not only affect tennis players – many patients have never held a racket in their hand. It is particularly common in people who regularly perform monotonous hand or arm movements – whether at work, at home or during sport.
Causes of tennis elbow
The most common cause is overloading of the forearm muscles, which causes the tendon insertions on the elbow to become irritated or even microscopically injured. Typical triggers are
* Repetitive gripping movements (e.g. when typing, screwing, lifting)
* Sports with frequent arm swings
* Working with vibrating tools
* A lack of ergonomics at the workplace
Typical symptoms
* Pain on the outside of the elbow
* Increased pain when lifting or turning the forearm (e.g. when opening a bottle)
* Pressure pain at the elbow
* Sometimes the pain radiates into the forearm
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is usually made through a physical examination. Your doctor will apply targeted pressure and test certain movements. Imaging procedures (e.g. ultrasound, MRI) are only necessary in cases of unclear or protracted progression.
Treatment options
The good news: in most cases, tennis elbow heals conservatively – i.e. without surgery. The most important treatment measures are
- Protection & activity adjustment
- Avoidance of the triggering stresses
- Pauses during repeated movements
- Ergonomic adjustments to the workplace
- Physiotherapy (stretching exercises and targeted muscle building (eccentric training); manual therapy to relax the muscles; taping or bandages to relieve strain)
- Drug therapy
- Painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. ibuprofen)
- Local ointments or injections if required
- Shock wave therapy (use of high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing)
This is also an option, especially in chronic cases:
- Injections (cortisone*, hyaluronic acid or autologous blood. * Caution: Cortisone can help in the short term, but can weaken the tendon if used frequently).
- Surgery (only in exceptional cases, if all conservative measures have been unsuccessful for several months. The aim is to remove degenerative tissue)
What can I do myself?
* Avoid heavy exertion for the time being, but keep moving.
* Do regular stretching exercises for the forearm muscles.
* Cool for acute pain.
* Use a bandage or tape to relieve the strain – especially during physical work.
* Get guidance on how to train your forearm muscles to make them more resistant.
Conclusion
Tennis elbow is unpleasant, but can usually be treated well. It is important to adjust the strain, be patient and seek therapeutic support if necessary. Early treatment can help to prevent chronic complaints.
If you suffer from pain in your elbow, contact us and/or speak to your doctor – the sooner therapy begins, the sooner you can return to pain-free movement.
tBooking – Online booking for your appointments
Your Physio Restart Team
