Extensor tendinopathy (Tennis elbow) is a condition caused by inflammation of the tendons on the outside (lateral side) of the elbow at a bony prominence (lateral epicondyle) of the upper arm. Certain repetitive movements of the wrist can cause this condition. It is not limited to tennis players.
Tennis elbow is an overuse injury. It's caused by repeated contraction of the forearm muscles that you use to straighten and raise your hand and wrist. The repeated motions and stress to the tissue may result in inflammation or a series of tiny tears in the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bone at the outside of your elbow.
As the name tennis elbow indicates, playing tennis - particularly, repeated use of the backhand stroke with poor technique - is one possible cause of the condition. However, many other common arm motions can cause tennis elbow, too - including using a screwdriver, hammering, painting, raking, weaving and others.
Signs and symptoms of tennis elbow may include:
Pain that radiates from the outside of your elbow into your forearm and wrist
Pain when you touch or bump the outside of your elbow
Pain when you extend your wrist
A weak grip
A painful grip during certain activities, such as shaking hands or turning a doorknob
The pain often gets worse over weeks or months. Sometimes you may feel pain even when your arm is still.
If self-care steps such as rest, ice and use of over-the-counter pain relievers don't ease your elbow pain and tenderness, the assessment by a health care professional is warranted.
Physiotherapy treatment for this condition is divided into 3 stages with the main focus on the return to normal activity
Stage 1 - Primary goals are to reduce pain and inflammation with the use of ice, rest and modalities
Stage 2 - Continued strengthening and range of motion exercises. Functional exercises and gradual exposure to stressful activities are also introduced to help prepare you to return to normal activity.
Stage 3 - Increase muscle strength and endurance, and to return to work or sport.
This information should only be used as a guide and does not replace the assessment of a professional health care provider.
Tez is a registered physiotherapist with Pinnacle Sports Physiotherapy Centers. For more info visit www.pinnaclephysio.com or call (250) 762 3322.
Tennis Elbow
