Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.
Understanding Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is the most common condition affecting the elbow, causing pain and discomfort in the elbow and forearm. This condition arises from inflammation or micro-tears in the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the lateral epicondyle, a bony prominence on the outside of the elbow. The primary muscle affected is the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), responsible for wrist extension. Repetitive or prolonged overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, often from activities involving gripping or wrist movements, leads to this condition. The elbow joint comprises three bones: the humerus (upper arm bone) and the radius and ulna (forearm bones). These bones are supported by muscles, ligaments, and tendons that enable arm movement and stability. When the tendons attached to the lateral epicondyle become overworked, it results in pain, tenderness, and reduced functionality, significantly impacting daily activities.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is typically caused by repetitive stress or overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, leading to micro-tears and inflammation. It commonly affects individuals aged 20 to 40, with men and women equally susceptible. Below are common activities that may contribute to lateral epicondylitis:
- Playing racquet sports like tennis, squash, or badminton.
- Gardening tasks such as pruning or digging.
- Prolonged use of tradesman tools (e.g., hammers, screwdrivers).
- Playing musical instruments like the guitar or violin.
- Weightlifting or gym activities involving repetitive wrist motions.
- Extended computer use or typing.
- Manual labor or unaccustomed wrist and hand movements.
Additional risk factors include poor technique in sports (e.g., improper tennis backhand), inadequate equipment (e.g., heavy tennis racquets), or repetitive occupational tasks like painting or plumbing.
Signs & Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
The symptoms of tennis elbow are distinct, making diagnosis straightforward for trained professionals. Common signs include:
- Sharp, localized pain on the outer elbow, often worsening with gripping or wrist movements.
- Tenderness in the lateral forearm, potentially radiating to the hand or fingers.
- Weakness in the forearm, making it difficult to grip objects like a coffee mug or doorknob.
- Stiffness in the elbow, particularly in the morning or after prolonged inactivity.
These symptoms may worsen with activities like tennis swings, gardening tasks, or even simple actions like shaking hands or lifting light objects.
How Is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?
When you visit Vitality Chiropractic Australia, our experienced chiropractors use a comprehensive approach to diagnose lateral epicondylitis. The diagnostic process includes:
- Detailed medical history review: We discuss the mechanism of injury, pain location, pain quality, and aggravating or relieving factors.
- Physical examination: This involves palpation of the elbow, muscle strength testing, range of motion assessment, and specialized orthopedic and neurological tests to confirm tennis elbow and rule out other conditions like radial tunnel syndrome or cervical radiculopathy.
- Imaging referrals (if necessary): In some cases, we may recommend ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans to assess the extent of tendon damage or exclude other diagnoses.
Our thorough evaluation ensures an accurate diagnosis, allowing us to create a tailored treatment plan for tennis elbow relief.
Chiropractic Treatment for Lateral Epicondylitis
Managing tennis elbow can be challenging due to the constant use of the hands and arms in daily life. However, at Vitality Chiropractic Australia, we offer evidence-based, non-invasive treatments to promote healing, reduce pain, and restore function. Our approach includes:
- Chiropractic Adjustments: Gentle adjustments to the elbow, wrist, and spine to improve joint mobility and reduce tension in the surrounding muscles.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques like myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release technique (ART) target the affected tendons and muscles to alleviate pain and promote healing.
- Rehabilitation Exercises: Customized exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles, improve flexibility, and prevent re-injury. Examples include eccentric wrist exercises and forearm stretches.
- Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice: Guidance on modifying activities, such as adjusting tennis grip techniques, using ergonomic tools, or taking breaks during repetitive tasks like computer typing.
- Anti-Inflammatory Measures: Recommendations for ice therapy, dietary changes (e.g., incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric or omega-3s), and, if necessary, consultation for anti-inflammatory medications.
- Bracing or Taping: Use of tennis elbow braces or kinesiology taping to support the affected area and reduce strain during healing.
Tips for Managing Tennis Elbow at Home
To complement professional treatment, we recommend the following for tennis elbow recovery:
- Rest the elbow: Avoid aggravating activities like heavy lifting or repetitive wrist motions.
- Apply ice: Use a cold pack for 10-15 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation.
- Use proper equipment: For athletes, ensure tennis racquets or tools are appropriately sized and weighted.
- Stretch regularly: Perform gentle wrist and forearm stretches to maintain flexibility.
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Chiropractor Tennis Elbow Research
- Low level Laser therapy applied directly to the lateral elbow tendon insertion points appears to offer clinical significant short term pain improvements for individuals suffering from Lateral Epicondylitis. Bjordal, J. (2008). A systematic review with procedural assessments and meta-analysis of low level laser therapy in lateral elbow tendinopathy (tennis elbow). BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 9(75)
- Conservative management such as Physiotherapy that combines elbow joint manipulation and or mobilisation with exercise has a superior benefit for sufferers of Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) then postponing management or using Cortisone injections to manage dysfunction. Bisset, L. (2006). Mobilisation with movement and exercise, corticosteroid injection or wait and see for tennis elbow: randomised trial. BMJ.
Additional Information
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