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Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow (also known as lateral epicondylitis) is a condition where the outer part of elbow becomes sore and tender.
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Causes of Tennis Elbow

Lateral epicondylitis is an extremely common injury among sports people and manual workers where repetitive strain occurs to the elbow. There may have been recent changes in training or technique, note-taking or equipment used in sport or work. This strain leads to microscopic tears in the tendons of the extensor muscles at the outer elbow. These tears cause degeneration of the tendons and inflammation follows. Unfortunately over long periods of degeneration this inflammation becomes chronic.

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Common Sources

Extensor muscles of the forearm: all wrist extensors form a common tendon. Damage to this tendon, often due to overuse, can lead to tennis elbow.

Posterior interosseous nerve: a nerve that enters thru the supinator muscles can often be impinged along its course causing lateral elbow pain. Associated sensory symptoms, such as pins and needles, may indicate a nerve component.

Synovitis of the radio- humeral joint – inflammation of the capsule around the shoulder joint

Referred pain from the cervical, thoracic spine and the shoulder can often contribute to causing the elbow pain. Referred pain is affected by prolonged posture, such as lengthy periods seated at a desk or in a car. If pain is persistent, unpredictable or related to posture, referred pain should be considered.

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Signs and Symptoms

Assessment

Tennis elbow can usually be diagnosed by a detailed history and physical examination.

It is important in assessment to differentiate local elbow pain from that involving the neck or nerve structures.

An activity history will also be taken, noting any recent change in the level of activity. In racquet sport players, any change in racquet size, grip size or string tension and whether or not any comment has been made regarding his or her technique.

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Management

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Tennis Elbow Resources

In this blog, Physiotherapist Luke from our Burnside practice provides an overview of tennis elbow, a common injury among our […]

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