Tennis Elbow

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition where small tears occur that cause pain within a tendon located on the lateral (outside) section of the elbow. These tears happen in the tendon that connects the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle (ECRB) of the outer (lateral) forearm to the humerus bone of the upper arm. This muscle is important in providing strength and stability to the forearm during physical activity and other movements. Tennis elbow is caused by frequent, repetitive motions and overuse of the forearm and may cause pain and weakness in the elbow and wrist, respectively. Dr. Joseph Lamplot, orthopedic elbow specialist, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who have experienced a tennis elbow.

I don’t play tennis, can I still have a tennis elbow?

Yes! Although this condition was named as it was because of a high incidence among tennis players, many individuals who have never picked up a tennis racket can be affected by tennis elbow. Although tennis players are the most frequent individuals to experience the symptoms of tennis elbow, workers who must lift heavy tools, grip, or perform similar repetitive motions may develop tennis elbow. The term tennis elbow simply refers to a condition that results in pain in a specific region of the elbow after overuse of the forearm muscles.

What are the symptoms of tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis?

• Pain on the outside (lateral) portion of the elbow that increases while moving the wrist, especially with the elbow straight (in full extension)
• Weakness while gripping objects
• Burning or aching sensation on the outside section of the elbow

How is tennis elbow diagnosed?

First, Dr. Lamplot will obtain a detailed medical history with his patients, including a review of participation in various activities and the patient’s concerns. He will also perform a detailed physical examination of the arm to determine a patient’s range of motion, location of pain, strength, and other factors that may help him to formulate a diagnosis. Diagnostic imaging such as MRI scans or X-rays may also be required to diagnose tennis elbow and may be performed at the discretion of Dr. Lamplot.

 How is tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis treated?

Non-surgical treatment options:

In order to treat tennis elbow, Dr. Lamplot prefers to first utilize non-surgical treatment options. Most patients will experience pain relief through these conservative treatment options such as:

• Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE)
• Physical therapy tailored to each patient to help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the arm
• Pain and swelling management through nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), either topical (gel) or oral (pills).
• Bracing (counterforce brace) to give the elbow joint additional support.

Surgical treatment options:

Some patients may not experience symptom relief from non-surgical options alone. In these cases, surgical treatments may be considered. Dr. Lamplot may perform surgery to repair the torn tendons of the forearm as well as remove inflamed or damaged tissue. Dr. Lamplot will recommend a surgical treatment approach that will provide the highest likelihood of the best outcome for each patient based on their injury and activity goals. He will also provide an individualized recovery timeline, based on the complexity of the surgery and severity of the patient’s tennis elbow injury.