Tennis Elbow/Golfer’s Elbow (Tendonitis)

Also known as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow, or golfer ’s elbow, is a painful condition that is normally caused by prolonged use. It is characterized by inﬂammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow.

Who Is At Risk for Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow gained its name due to the constant repetitive arm and wrist movements involved in playing tennis. However, lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, doesn’t only affect athletes and people who play sports recreationally.

Plumbers, painters, carpenters and people with other vocations or hobbies that require repeated and vigorous use of the forearm muscle are also at increased risk of developing the condition.

Tennis Elbow Symptoms

If you are worried that you might have tennis elbow/golfer’s elbow but are unsure, the following issues are common symptoms of the condition:

Arm or elbow pain when picking up or holding objects

Difficulty performing everyday activities like opening your car door

Stiffness when stretching your hand

Treatment Options

Patients experiencing tennis elbow (tendonitis) must first stop performing the repetitive forearm movements that originally led to the condition. Any activities that cause pain should be avoided or modified as needed to reduce forearm muscle use. Ice packs should be used on the area to address pain.

Non-surgical treatment options can then be explored. As many as 90% of patients have success with non-surgical treatments, which may include NSAID medications, steroid injections and physical therapy.

Surgical Treatment

If your symptoms do not improve after six to twelve months, surgical intervention may be necessary. This normally involves creating an incision, removing the damaged muscle and reattaching the healthy muscle to the bone. The incision is closed using sutures and is then bandaged.

Downtime and recovery time will be required after this procedure. For around one week, a supportive sling or splint must be worn to aid in the healing process. Once the sling or splint comes off, the elbow should be gently stretched on a regular basis to restore movement and flexibility.

Swelling is normal, and ice can be used on the area to help ameliorate it. Pain medication will be prescribed to address any pain or discomfort.

You will need to take six to twelve weeks off from work (depending on the degree of forearm muscle movement required), and activities such as sports and exercise should be avoided for four to six months.