Tennis Elbow (Radial/Ulnar Humeral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow is characterised by inflammation in the area where the wrist and finger extensors (muscles that extend a joint) attach to the elbow whereas, in golfer's elbow, the attachments of the wrist and finger flexors (muscles that bend a joint) are affected. This type of inflammation is an overuse injury that occurs mainly in individuals over 40 years of age. Persons engaged in recreational sports activities as well as musicians and secretaries are commonly affected. The patients complain of pain in the elbow region during certain arm activities. In most cases, there is local tenderness in the elbow region and intense pain when performing a certain movement (trigger activity), especially if this movement is performed against resistance.

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis can usually be established by clinical examination. However, an X-ray is obtained to rule out bony injury.

Treatment:

Treatment consists of multiple measures:

Avoidance of the trigger activity causing the pain
Ointment wraps and medications to reduce pain and inflammation
Compression
Cortisone injections administered directly into the site of pain (loco dolenti injection)
Shockwave therapy
Rest
Surgery

If all conservative measures fail, surgical treatment can be considered. During the surgery, the affected tendons are cut (released) at the site where they connect to the epicondyle. The procedure is performed through a small incision under local anaesthesia.