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	+ LSSC Home + RehabWorks Home + Rehabilitation Protocols + Instructional Videos + Microbreaks - Sportsmedicine Articles + Ultra-Stretch Program + Anatomy 101 + Back at Work + Pamphlets Online Forms: + Education Outreach Request + Doctor Referral Form + Appointment Scheduling + Initial Paperwork + Patient Survey		Tennis Elbow: Affecting More Than Just Tennis Players Tennis Elbow, or Lateral Epicondylitis, is an inflammation of the tendons that cause pain in the elbow and arm. The tendons involved are responsible for attaching the muscles that extend the wrist and hand. Tennis elbow produces pain on the outer part of the arm, unlike the similar condition called golfer’s elbow, which affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow. Despite the name Tennis elbow, patients can have symptoms without ever stepping foot on a tennis court. Tennis elbow is the primary reason people see their doctor for elbow pain, and it is most commonly seen in the dominate arm. Although it can occur at any age, the most common age range is 30 to 50 years old, and affects an equal number of women and men. What Causes Tennis Elbow? Tennis elbow is considered a chronic condition because it occurs over time. Repetitive motions, such as using a screwdriver or swinging a racket, can put a strain on muscles and add stress to the tendons. The constant repetitive motion can eventually cause microscopic tears in the tissue surrounding the elbow. Tennis elbow can result from playing sports, but can also affect people with jobs or hobbies that require a recurring movement. A range of activities that involve repetitive motions include: Sports: Tennis, racquetball, fencing, golf Work and Hobbies: Typing, using a computer mouse, knitting, gardening, raking, using scissors, playing a musical instrument Manual Occupations: Painting, carpentry, plumbing, brick laying, using a screwdriver or hammer What Are Common Symptoms Of Tennis Elbow? Tennis elbow produces pain and tenderness on the lateral epicondyle, the bony knob on the outside of the elbow. The lateral epicondyle is where the inflamed tendons connect to the bone. In most cases the pain starts out mild and gradually becomes worse over weeks or months. Although the damage is in the elbow, there may be radiating or burning pain in the upper or lower arm, or outer part of the elbow. Pain may also occur when doing things with your hands. Tennis elbow may cause the most pain when: Lifting an object Gripping an object or making a fist Extending the forearm or straightening the wrist Shaking hands or opening a door Pressing on the outer surface of the elbow To properly diagnose tennis elbow, your athletic trainer or doctor will do a thorough examination. The ATC or doctor may have you flex your arm, wrist, and elbow to see where it hurts, and may press on the lateral epicondyle to reproduce symptoms. In more severe cases you may also need an X-ray or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to detect tennis elbow or rule out other problems. What Are Treatment Options For Tennis Elbow? Tennis elbow will usually heal on its own if you rest the injured tendon by stopping or changing your activity. If pain increases or the condition continues and is left untreated, a loss of function may occur so it is important to seek medical care. Types of helpful treatment are: Reduce inflammation and pain: Rest, ice, elevation, and compression (RICE), Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen according to package directions, injections of steroids or painkillers to temporarily relieve symptoms Rehabilitation: Perform range of motion exercises to decrease stiffness and increase flexibility, physical therapy to strengthen the muscles Orthotics: An elbow strap or wrist splint to restrict the movement of the tendon and protect from further strain Activity Modification: Improve posture and technique, alternate hands during activities, use a smaller grip on tools or rackets, have a workstation assessment Nonoperative treatment is successful in about 90% of patients with tennis elbow, but in severe cases with symptoms lasting 4-6 months, surgery may be required. The outpatient procedure consists of removing the section of the damaged tendon and repairing the remaining tendon. Surgery is only required in a small amount of patients seen with Tennis elbow, and the success rate of the procedure is very high. When Can I Return To Normal Activities? Returning to regular activities depends on the individual case and extent of the damage to the tendon. People heal at different rates so it is important to not rush recovery and to not push yourself. Although there may be a period of relief, pain may come back, and ending a treatment plan early may increase the chance of reinjury. You may be able to start performing normal levels of activity if: The injured elbow is no longer swollen The injured elbow feels as strong as the non-injured elbow The elbow can be flexed with no trouble Bearing weight is no longer painful You can grip objects pain-free How Can I Prevent Tennis Elbow? The best way to prevent Tennis elbow is to avoid overuse. If any pain is felt during activity you should stop and rest the elbow. If symptoms arise during activities at work, frequent breaks should be taken. Tennis elbow can develop from using the wrong equipment, such as a racket that is too heavy, or a golf club that has a grip that is too large. Poor posture and bad technique may also lead to Tennis elbow. To help prevent Tennis elbow it is important to: Stretch and warm up before using the upper extremities Ice the elbow after activity Alternate hands during activities to prevent overuse Strengthen the muscles of the arm, elbow, wrist, and back Correct Technique For More Information on Tennis Elbow, Check out These Links: Tennis-elbow.net- Article with diagrams WebMD- Exercises ABC News- "Wii-itis" Resources WebMD- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - Tennis Elbow BUPA- Tennis elbow fact sheet
	+ Freedom of Information Act + NASA Privacy Statement, Disclaimer, and Accessibility Certification Editor: Erik Nason NASA Official: David A. Tipton Last Updated: July 17, 2007