Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Tennis Elbow Disease (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is a painful condition caused by overuse of the elbow. Although it is common in tennis players (hence the name), it is also common in many sports activities and in certain occupational groups. It can be seen as an occupational disease especially in faucet repairmen and housewives who work intensively.
Tennis elbow is a disease characterized by inflammation at the point of attachment of the tendons of the forearm muscles to the bone at the outer edge of the elbow.
Overuse and repetitive repetitive movements damage the attachment point of the forearm muscles (muscle groups that lift our wrist up) to the elbow.
As a result, pain and tenderness occur on the outer side of the elbow.

There are a wide variety of treatment methods for tennis elbow. In many patients, treatment is carried out with teamwork.

Elbow Joint Anatomy
The elbow is made up of three bones, the forearm bones (radius and ulna) and the humerus (humerus). There are two protrusions of the humerus at the elbow, one on the inside and one on the outside. These protrusions are called epicondyles. The inner epicondyle is called medial epicondyle and the outer epicondyle is called lateral epicondyle. Inflammation of the epicondyles is called epicondylitis. The medial epicondyle is adhered to by the anterior facial group muscles of the forearm, while the lateral epicondyle is adhered to by the posterior group muscles of the forearm.

What causes Tennis Elbow Disease?

Overuse or strain causes inflammation and pain in the elbow where the muscles attach to the bone.

Tears in the muscles can occur at a microscopic level.

Activities

Although it is known as tennis player’s disease, it is not only seen in tennis players. It is very common in occupational groups such as painters, auto mechanics, carpet weavers, plumbers, cleaning workers

Age

Although all age groups are at risk, it is especially common in the 35-55 age group.

Complaints in Tennis Elbow Disease
The symptoms develop slowly and insidiously. It may be like a tingling at first. In many patients, it starts mildly and worsens over time.

The most common complaints;

– Burning and pain on the outer side of the elbow
•- Weakness in the use of the arm
• Pain increases with use of the forearm. Especially situations such as towel or squeezing, turning the lid of a jar, holding a teapot are painful.

Examination and Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow
Accompanying conditions that trigger pain are important. Sensitive points are examined. Special tests are performed. Imaging can be performed for differential diagnosis. But usually history and examination are sufficient for diagnosis.
X-rays may be ordered. It will provide detailed information about elbow calcification and bone lesions. MRI will provide detailed information in case of suspicion of a mass or problem in soft tissue. EMG may be requested in case of nerve compression around the elbow.

Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Non-Surgical Treatment
On average, 90% of patients recover with non-surgical treatment methods.
Rest; The first step is definitely resting. Activities should be restricted and sports should be stopped for at least three weeks.

Medication; Anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxants are used to relieve edema and pain.

Orthosis; For epicondylitis, the point where the muscle adheres to the bone is rested by using elbow pads.

Physical Therapy; Specific exercises, especially stretching, are important.

Ultrasound, ice, massage and electrical stimulation are useful methods.

Local Injections; Cortisone, ozone, PRP, Prolotherapy are made locally to the muscle and bone junction point.

ESWT: With shock wave therapy, local blood flow is increased and tissue healing is triggered.

Surgery for Tennis Elbow
If there is no response to non-surgical methods between 6-12, surgical planning can be done. Surgery can be performed to change the attachment point of the muscles to the bone.