What is Tennis Elbow?
The technical term for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis. It is an inflammation of the muscles that lift the wrist and hand. Tendon fibers that attach from the forearm extensor to the outside of the elbow become irritated and painful. Pain is usually more noticeable during or after strenuous activity. If tennis elbow becomes severe, pain may be felt even when lifting or grasping lightweight items.

What causes Tennis Elbow?
Repetitive use of the arm or an injury may cause stress or damage to the muscle attachment, resulting in the symptoms of lateral epicondylitis. Many people who are involved in activities that use the palm in a downward position to lift may ultimately develop tennis elbow.

What are the signs and symptoms of Tennis Elbow?
If you have tennis elbow, you may feel pain on the outside of your elbow. The area may be tender to the touch and sensitive when you try to grip something with your hand. In some severe cases, it is very difficult to move the arm at all.

What are treatments for Tennis Elbow?
Your treatment may depend on the severity of your condition. Sometimes just resting and stopping an activity can reduce the pain. A wrap or splint may be recommended to help reduce the strain on your muscle. Your physician may prescribe oral anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce the swelling and pain. In severe cases, your physician may recommend a series of injections to the area to relieve your discomfort and pain. You may need to participate in a therapy program to stretch and strengthen the muscles to reduce the chance of recurrence.

The Centre for Working Hands offers a comprehensive range of therapy services in our Rehabilitation department. In some cases, the Graston™ Technique may be used by your rehabilitation therapist, as well as innovative taping for pain reduction.

If nonsurgical treatments do not help reduce your pain, your physician may talk to you about surgical treatments and outcomes.

Click here for more information about tennis elbow or to schedule a consultation with one of our reconstructive hand surgeons. The Centre for Working Hands offers the latest treatments for lateral epicondylitis to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Michiana and throughout Indiana and Southern Michigan.

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