Tennis Elbow

As the name denotes, this condition is common in tennis players, it is frequently associated with other people having repetitive movements of fore arm (supination and pronation). People engaged in mechanical work where manual screw-driving is required, have this problem. Yet another reason is minor injuries at lateral epicondyle of elbow while at home or at work, also results in this condition.

Pain is at the outer bony point of elbow (lateral epicondyle) and it radiates down to dorsum (back) of fore are and hand. Active dorsiflexion of wrist against resistance causes pain at the elbow.

Diagnosis is by history and physical examination only. No lab test of x-ray is required.

Treatment is simply by avoiding the cause of problem for couple of weeks along with pain killer medications and local heat fomentation. Fast relief can be achieved by injection of steroid in the soft tissue (muscle origin at lateral epicondyle of elbow). Many people think that injection is given in bone but that is not true. Contra-indications of cortisone have to be considered. Usually one injection is sufficient but sometimes needs to be repeated. If the problem is recurring and on both sides one has to consider rheumatoid arthritis (RA). I have seen such cases later on diagnosed as RA with involvement of other joints. Use of protective strap is also advocated but I did not get good results.