Tennis Elbow is a colloquial name for lateral epicondylitis. The full name refers to inflammation at the part of the elbow where the wrist extensors attach (muscles that bend the wrist back). It is closely related to Golfer’s Elbow, or medial epicondylitis, which affects the attachment for the wrist flexors.
Epicondylitis Basics
Although the -itis suggests inflammation, this only occurs in the early stages of the syndrome. A cool compress may therefore be useful when symptoms first appear, but this should not be applied directly to the skin or for more than 10 minutes per hour. Prominent theories are that microscopic tears occur in the tissue, which can be slow to heal as the area has a poor blood supply. Left unchecked, there may be a knock-on effect on local cartilage.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow causes tenderness and pain over the outer edge of the elbow and into the forearm. Often it arises with no connection to the sport, in response to an increased demand on the muscles over a prolonged period. This could be caused by carrying heavy shopping and keeping your wrist at an awkward angle to prevent the bags dragging on the floor. Computer usage, vibration, and sports in general can also cause the condition to develop: it is considered an “overuse syndrome“.
Golfer’s Elbow
Similar to the above, golfer’s elbow causes tenderness and pain around the inner edge of the forearm and elbow. The wrist flexor muscles are affected, so sleeping curled up in a foetal position or pulling on a dog’s lead might aggravate your symptoms.
Who is Affected?
Both forms of epicondylitis affect men and women equally, and the incidence peaks between the ages of 30 and 50. People who do a lot of repetitive movements with their wrists are at higher risk of developing the condition.
Treating Golfer’s or Tennis Elbow
Diagnosis is easily done in clinic, and you don’t need to have seen a doctor about your pain before you visit your osteopath.
As with a lot of aches and pains, the quickest results for golfer’s and tennis elbow come from cases where the condition is treated in its earliest stages. Massage techniques to the affected area, combined with work to the elbow and wrist joints can help. If compensations have been made elsewhere in the body, we can identify and correct them too. Similarly, if you notice that your elbow pain begun after an injury elsewhere in the arm or shoulder, mention it at your appointment as that may be a significant factor in why your tennis elbow developed in the first place.
Beyond treatment in clinic, we can advise on the use of heat or ice, provide specific exercises, and suggest lifestyle changes that may help. If your symptoms coincide with a change in activity, such as picking up a new hobby or changing your sport equipment, there may be beneficial changes to make here.
About 1/5 cases will last beyond a year, so if you do have symptoms, get your treatment underway sooner rather than later.
Click here to make an appointment for your elbow pain in Wiltshire
