Skip to main content

Dr. Daniel C. Eby

Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine

Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Is your backhand swing causing you pain? Is your elbow hurting or bruised after playing a friendly match of tennis?

Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is inflammation of the tendon that connects the muscles of the forearm, wrist, and hand to the upper arm at the elbow. The tendon on the bony outside part of the elbow is most often irritated by overuse during physical activity.

Causes and Risk Factors

Repetitive activity such as swinging a tennis racquet or throwing a baseball can cause this condition.

Symptoms

  • Pain on the inside of the elbow
  • Difficulty or painful extension of the wrist

Diagnosis and Imaging

Often Dr. Eby and staff can diagnose this condition with ultrasound and may utilize X-rays to rule out other conditions that may be responsible for your pain.

Treatments 

Our first steps in returning you to your normal function would be strengthening the affected muscles with physical therapy, limiting activity, and taking anti-inflammatory medications. Ice, heat, and bracing may be necessary to treat your symptoms.

If symptoms persist, a cortisone injection may target the inflammation and decrease your pain. PRP injections may also be offered to assist in the healing process.

For those cases with chronic symptoms or severe tendon disorders, Dr. Eby and staff may offer surgical options for symptom relief and removal of the damaged tissue.

REFERENCES

McMahon, Patrick J., and Harry B. Skinner. Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Orthopedics. 6th ed., McGraw-Hill Medical, 2021.
Jennifer, Rynders, and Sara D Hart. Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants. 1st ed., Elsevier – Health Science, 2013.