Tennis Elbow

Signs and Symptoms

Tennis elbow is a strain of the lateral forearm muscles near their origin on the lateral rounded protuberance (condyle) at the end of the humerous (forearm bone).

Symptoms include:

• Recurring pain on the outside of the upper forearm just below the bend of the elbow; occasionally, pain radiates down the arm toward the wrist
• Pain caused by lifting or bending the arm or grasping even light objects such as a coffee cup
• Difficulty extending the full forearm fully because of inflamed muscles, tendons and ligaments
• Pain that typically lasts for six to 12 weeks; the discomfort can continue for as little as three weeks or as long as several years

Diagnosis

Diagnosing tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) can usually be done through physical examination alone. X-rays of the elbow may be required if symptoms suggest the possibility of a problem with the joint.

Treatment

If rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and a stretching routine fail to cure tennis elbow, surgery may be considered although this form of treatment is rare (fewer than 3 percent of patients). One procedure is for the tendon to be cut loose from the epicondyle, the rounded bump at the end of the bone, which eliminates stress on the tendon but renders the muscle useless. Another surgical technique involves removing roughened or granulated tissue in the tendon and repairing tears.