TENNIS ELBOW SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, MEDICAL CARE, AND PROFESSIONALS DIAGNOSE

TENNIS ELBOW

Tennis Elbow, or Lateral Epicondylitis, is a painful condition of the elbow caused by overuse or inflammation of the tendons of the common extensor origin. Overuse of the extensor carpi radialis brevis can cause microscopic tears in the tendon, where it is attached to the lateral epicondyle, causing inflammation and pain in the elbow and a weak grip strength.

Certain repetitive movements of the wrist can cause this condition. Tennis elbow can occur in anyone who strains the tendons of the forearm and is not limited to tennis players. For example, it is not unusual for tennis elbow to occur from overuse injury in golfers who have a misguided backswing or in home-repair workers who must repetitively tighten screws down with screw-driving motion. Lateral epicondylitis is another name for tennis elbow. Lateral epicondylitis is a more accurate term for injury to the outer elbow tendon from non-tennis activities.

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

• Any repetitive motion of the wrist, including tennis, hedge clipping, excessive use of a hammer or screwdriver, painting, or any activity that requires excessive constant gripping or squeezing can cause tennis elbow.

• In the game of tennis, the following maneuvers can lead to tennis elbow:           

       
• One-handed backhand with poor form or technique with wrist extension,
• A late forehand swing resulting in bending the wrist significantly, AND 
• Snapping and turning the wrist while serving with full power

What Are Tennis Elbow Symptoms and Signs?

Tenderness on the outside of the elbow,   Morning stiffness of the elbow with persistent aching,  Soreness of the forearm muscles, AND  Elbow pain is worse when grasping or holding an object (a sign that active inflammation is present because of the tendinitis)

When Should Someone Seek Medical Care for Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow does not usually lead to serious problems. If the condition continues and is left untreated, however, loss of motion or loss of function of the elbow and forearm can develop.

Call your health care professional if the following conditions develop:

Pain that limits your daily activity, Pain that lasts despite ice, resting, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers, AND  Any weakness or numbness in the hand, which may mean you have another type of injury in the wrist or elbow

How Do Health Care Professionals Diagnose Tennis Elbow?

Your doctor may use any or all of the following to diagnose lateral epicondylitis:

ü  In taking your medical history, the doctor may ask you questions about your activity level, occupation, recent recreational activities, medications, and other medical problems.

ü  During the physical exam, your doctor will feel your elbow and possibly other joints. Your nerves, muscles, bones, and skin are also examined.

ü  X-ray images may be required if the symptoms suggest another problem in the elbow joint.

ü  Nerve studies may be needed to look for entrapment of the radial nerve in the elbow joint (radial tunnel syndrome) if your symptoms continue despite aggressive treatment.

ü  It is unlikely your doctor will need to perform blood tests, a CT scan, or an MRI to make the diagnosis, but these may be used to rule out other conditions in certain cases.