Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Overview

Lateral Epicondylitis, commonly called tennis elbow, is a condition caused by inflammation or degeneration of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow.

These tendons help control wrist and finger movements. Repeated stress on these tendons can lead to small tears, pain, and reduced grip strength.

Despite the name, tennis elbow does not only affect athletes. It commonly occurs in people performing repetitive arm and wrist movements, such as office workers, carpenters, plumbers, and painters.

At Moolchand Hospital, a leading multi super speciality hospital in Delhi, orthopedic and sports medicine specialists provide advanced diagnosis and treatment for elbow tendon injuries.

What is Tennis Elbow?

The elbow joint contains tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the upper arm bone.

In lateral epicondylitis:

• The tendons on the outer side of the elbow become inflamed or damaged
  
  

• Repetitive wrist extension and gripping movements strain the tendon
  
  

• Pain develops around the lateral epicondyle, the outer bony part of the elbow
  
  

Over time, the tendon may weaken, causing persistent discomfort.

Symptoms

Symptoms of tennis elbow usually develop gradually.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain or burning on the outer side of the elbow
  
  

• Weak grip strength
  
  

• Pain when lifting objects or shaking hands
  
  

• Difficulty holding tools, cups, or racquets
  
  

• Pain that worsens with wrist movement
  
  

Pain may also radiate down the forearm.

Causes

Tennis elbow develops due to repetitive overuse of forearm muscles and tendons.

Common causes include:

• Repetitive wrist extension movements
  
  

• Sports such as tennis, badminton, or squash
  
  

• Repeated gripping or lifting tasks
  
  

• Improper sports techniques
  
  

Occupations involving frequent hand and wrist use may also increase risk.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase the risk of tennis elbow include:

• Repetitive arm and wrist movements
  
  

• Poor sports technique
  
  

• Improper equipment use
  
  

• Age between 30 and 50 years
  
  

• Occupations requiring repetitive hand work
  
  

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose tennis elbow through clinical evaluation and imaging tests.

Physical Examination

Doctors evaluate:

• Pain location around the elbow
  
  

• Forearm strength
  
  

• Pain during wrist extension
  
  

Imaging Tests

• X-rays to rule out other elbow conditions
  
  

• Ultrasound or MRI scans to assess tendon damage
  
  

At Moolchand Hospital Delhi, advanced diagnostic tools help confirm the condition and guide treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment aims to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore normal arm function.

Rest and Activity Modification

Avoiding repetitive activities helps the tendon heal.

Medications

Anti-inflammatory medications help reduce pain and swelling.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy strengthens forearm muscles and improves flexibility.

Elbow Braces

Support braces help reduce strain on the affected tendon.

Injection Therapy

Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may help in persistent cases.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be considered when symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment.

Possible Complications

If untreated, tennis elbow may lead to:

• Chronic elbow pain
  
  

• Reduced grip strength
  
  

• Difficulty performing daily activities
  
  

• Long-term tendon degeneration
  
  

Early treatment helps prevent long-term complications.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Proper warm-up before sports
  
  

• Strengthening forearm muscles
  
  

• Using correct sports techniques
  
  

• Taking regular breaks during repetitive activities
  
  

Why Choose Moolchand Hospital

Patients trust Moolchand Hospital, Lajpat Nagar for elbow injury treatment because of:

• Experienced orthopedic and sports medicine specialists
  
  

• Advanced diagnostic imaging facilities
  
  

• Expertise in minimally invasive orthopedic procedures
  
  

• Comprehensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs
  
  

• Multidisciplinary orthopedic care
  
  

As a leading private hospital in Delhi, Moolchand Hospital provides specialized treatment for tendon injuries and sports-related conditions.