Lateral Epicondylitis
Lateral Epicondylitis or tennis elbowis an inflammation of several structures of the
elbow. These include muscles, tendons, bursa, periosteum, and epicondyle (bony projections
on the outside and inside of the elbow, where muscles of the forearm attach to the bone of
the upper arm).
Description of Lateral Epicondylitis
The classic Lateral Epicondylitis or tennis elbowis caused by repeated forceful
contractions of wrist muscles located on the outer forearm. The stress, created at a
common muscle origin, causes microscopic tears leading to inflammation. This is a
relatively small surface area located at the outer portion of the elbow (the lateral
epicondyle). Medial tennis elbow, or medial Lateral Epicondylitis, is caused by forceful,
repetitive contractions from muscles located on the inside of the forearm. All of the
forearm muscles are involved in tennis serves, when combined motions of the elbow and
wrist are employed. This overuse injury is common between ages 20-40.
People at risk for Lateral Epicondylitis or tennis elboware those in occupations that
require strenuous or repetitive forearm movement. Such jobs include mechanics or
carpentry. Sport activities that require individuals to twist the hand, wrist, and
forearm, such as tennis, throwing a ball, bowling, golfing, and skiing, can cause tennis
elbow. Individuals in poor physical condition, who are exposed to repetitive wrist and
forearm movements for long periods of time, may be prone to tennis elbow. This condition
is also called Lateral Epicondylitis, lateral Lateral Epicondylitis, medial Lateral
Epicondylitis, or golfer's elbow, where pain is present at the inside epicondyle.
Causes & symptoms of Lateral Epicondylitis
Lateral Epicondylitis or tennis elbowpain originates from a partial tear of the tendon
and the attached covering of the bone. It is caused by chronic stress on tissues attaching
forearm muscles to the elbow area. Individuals experiencing Lateral Epicondylitis or
tennis elbowmay complain of pain and tenderness over either of the two epicondyles. This
pain increases with gripping or rotation of the wrist and forearm. If the condition
becomes long-standing and chronic, a decrease in grip strength can develop.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Lateral Epicondylitis or tennis elbowincludes the individual observation
and recall of symptoms, a thorough medical history, and physical examination by a
physician. Diagnostic testing is usually not necessary unless there may be evidence of
nerve involvement from underlying causes. X rays are usually always negative because the
condition is primarily soft tissue in nature, in contrast to a bony disorder. |
