Understanding tennis elbow 

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition affecting the tendons around the elbow's lateral (outer) part. Despite its name, tennis elbow can affect individuals who don't play tennis, as it's often caused by repetitive motion and overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons. 

Causes of tennis elbow 

The primary cause of tennis elbow is repetitive stress on the forearm tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outer side of the elbow). Activities or factors that can lead to tennis elbow include: 

Tennis and other racquet sports: Repeatedly gripping and swinging a tennis racquet can strain the forearm tendons, especially with poor technique. 

Manual labor: Occupations or hobbies that involve repetitive gripping, lifting, or twisting of the wrist and forearm can increase the risk of tennis elbow. This includes jobs like plumbing, carpentry, or gardening. 

Age: While tennis elbow can affect people of all ages, it is more common in individuals between 30 and 50. 

Symptoms of tennis elbow 

The hallmark symptom of tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, specifically over the lateral epicondyle. Common signs and symptoms include: 

Pain: Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting, or twisting motions involving the wrist and forearm. 

Weakness: Reduced grip strength, making it challenging to hold objects or perform daily tasks. 

Stiffness: Stiffness in the elbow joint, especially in the morning or after rest periods. 

Tenderness: Tenderness when touching the affected area. 

Treatment for tennis elbow 

The treatment of tennis elbow aims to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Common approaches include: 

Consult with an expert: An Accredited Hand Therapist is a physiotherapist or occupational therapist with expertise in the finger, hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.

Rest: Avoid activities that worsen the pain, allowing the tendons to heal. 

Ice and medications: The best treatment is applying ice to the affected area and over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications to manage pain and inflammation.

Immobilisation: Wearing an orthosis (commonly referred to as a splint) can provide rest and reduce stress on the tendons. 

Hand therapy: An Accredited Hand Therapist can prescribe an exercise regime to help improve forearm strength and flexibility. 

Shockwave therapy: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy may be considered for chronic cases. 

Surgery: Surgical intervention is usually reserved for severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatments. 

Recovery and rehabilitation 

The recovery period for tennis elbow varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment approach. Here are some essential points to consider during the recovery process: 

Follow advice: Adhere to the treatment plan recommended by your Accredited Hand Therapist.

Gradual return to activity: When the pain subsides, gradually reintroduce activities and sports with proper technique and ergonomic modifications to prevent recurrence. 

Rehabilitation exercises: Use prescribed exercises to improve forearm strength and prevent future injuries. 

Ergonomic changes: Make ergonomic adjustments in your daily activities to reduce strain on the affected arm and elbow. 

Patience: Recovery from tennis elbow can take time. Be patient and allow the tendons to heal properly. 

Find a local Accredited Hand Therapist

Patients can find a local Accredited Hand Therapist on our website using the link below.

Find an Accredited Hand Therapist