Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is the pain that occurs in the elbow area. It is a condition involving the tendons that form on the outer part of the elbow, that is, the lateral part. The task of the tendons is to transmit muscle power to the bone.

The task of the muscles here, the extender carpi radialis brevis, helps to move and stabilize the wrist. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) causes the attachment of the tendon to degenerate and puts much more stress on the area.

The reason why lateral epicondylitis is called tennis player's disease is because it occurs more in activities where this muscle is effective, such as lifting, gripping and holding. But tennis players are not the only ones with this disease. It can occur in more than one sport or activity.

It occurs as a result of inflammation of one or more tendons around the elbow. If the inflammations do not go away and show continuity, wear and tear can be observed in the tendons. In this case, thickening and swelling of the tendons are observed.

This is often observed in the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle at the elbow. Damage and pain on the outside of the elbow is called 'lateral epicondylitis', while pain and damage on the inside is called golfer's disease.

What are the Causes of Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)?

It is one of the main reasons for applying to a specialist for those who complain of intense pain in the outer part of the elbow. Intense pain in the outer part of the elbow, that is, in the lateral region, limitation in movements, pain when performing movements such as gripping occurs as a result of excessive load on the tendon.

Damage to the tendon over time causes swelling, pain and limitation of movement. Along with the movements, the pain starts in the elbow at first and limits the movements of the hand over time.

Lateral epicondylitis is seen in those who do repetitive jobs such as heavy workers or housewives as a result of continuous use. To give an example; As a result of a butcher constantly cutting meat using the same hand, the problem of tennis elbow may occur as a result of overloading the tendon. This discomfort can also occur in injuries to the tendons and muscles with any hard blow to the elbow.

What Are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?

Pain, swelling, restriction in hand and wrist movements, and pain in the elbow as a result of constantly repetitive work are among the symptoms. While the pain that occurs while performing an activity is first seen in the elbow, it is possible to experience pain up to the hand later on. Some elbow movements may cause pain. The increase in temperature, swelling and redness in the elbow are among the symptoms of the disease.

How Is Lateral Epicondylitis Treated?

The first method used in the general lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) disease is not surgery. For initial pain, experts recommend ice compresses, medication, rest, and resting the arm for a while without using it.

Use of elbow brace (for movement restriction) and physical therapy are recommended for pain that does not go away with medication and rest. These treatments are applied between six and eight months. These treatments usually work 10% in non-advanced cases. Those who remain in the 10% segment are treated with surgery if medication and physical therapy do not work.