Tennis elbow: a common condition among tennis players

 Tennis players, as well as other racquet sports players, are the most at risk of developing a painful inflammatory condition of the elbow, called lateral epicondylitis or more commonly “tennis elbow”.

 Tennis elbow is caused by repetitive motion injuries on the tendons joining the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. It usually involves the tendon of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle, which extends from the outer side of the elbow to the back of the hand.  Besides tennis players and other athletes, most people who undertake activities requiring the repetitive use of the forearm muscles (e.g., mechanics, carpenters, gardeners, house and office cleaners, cooks, painters) are prone to developing tennis elbow, as well. However sometimes it does happen that tennis elbow occurs without any apparent explanation. In this case it is said to be insidious in onset.

 Tennis elbow symptoms develop slowly. They usually begin as mild pain or burning on the outer side of the elbow (and occasionally down the forearm toward the wrist) and then progress over weeks or months to moderate or severe pain. The pain is often more intense during movement, especially when  holding something heavy, shaking hands or opening a door handle. 

 No single treatment* is effective for everyone. Most often a combination of different treatment approaches is needed to obtain successful results in the long term. Non-surgical therapies are the first choice and can include rest, ice or cold therapy, physical therapy, ultrasound or laser treatment, the use of pain relievers (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs) and/or anti-inflammatory drugs (steroids) and the use of a brace worn just below the painful area of the forearm.

Tennis elbow and surgery

 When non-surgical approaches are not enough or not effective at all, surgery (either open or arthroscopic) may be appropriate. In this respect it is important to remember that, just as any other surgical procedure, tennis elbow surgery has some risks, including infection, nerve or blood vessel damage, prolonged rehabilitation, and loss of strength or flexibility.

 Regardless of the treatment approach, it may take a long time (up to six months) before patients can return to their sports or activities. In addition relapses are non uncommon. That’s why it is necessary to take some preventive measures to avoid relapses, including gently stretching and warming up the forearm muscles for 10 minutes or more before starting any activities involving the arm, as well as taking multiple mini-breaks during these activities. Wearing a brace or a band under the elbow can help lift heavy objects more easily.

 Tennis players, athletes, as well as other people at risk of developing tennis elbow, should have adequate international health insurance to cover the medical costs of diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of this elbow condition.