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Tennis elbow is a condition caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow without any direct trauma to that area. The symptoms include gradual pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow and weakened grip strength.
Lateral epicondylitis is a synonym and medical term for tennis elbow. Other terms that may be used to describe this condition include lateral elbow tendinopathy and radial tunnel syndrome.
Several orthopedic tests can be used to diagnose tennis elbow:
Cozen’s Test: The patient is asked to make a fist and extend their wrist while the examiner resists this motion. Pain over the lateral epicondyle during this maneuver is considered a positive test for tennis elbow.
Mill’s Test: The patient’s wrist is passively flexed while the examiner palpates the lateral epicondyle. Pain over the lateral epicondyle during this maneuver is considered a positive test for tennis elbow.
Maudsley’s Test: The patient is asked to extend their middle finger while the examiner resists this motion. Pain over the lateral epicondyle during this maneuver is considered a positive test for tennis elbow.
Chair Lift Test: The patient is asked to lift a chair using only the affected arm. Pain over the lateral epicondyle during this maneuver is considered a positive test for tennis elbow.
It is important to note that no single test is definitive for the diagnosis of tennis elbow, and a combination of tests, along with a thorough medical history and physical examination, is often used to diagnose this condition.
The treatment plan for tennis elbow typically includes a combination of the following:
Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain or strain to the affected area.
Ice therapy: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, 2-3 times a day.
Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the forearm and improve flexibility and range of motion.
Brace or support: Wearing a brace or support can help alleviate pressure on the affected area.
Steroid injection: If conservative treatments are not effective, a doctor may inject a corticosteroid medication into the affected area to reduce inflammation.
Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to remove damaged tissue and repair the tendon.
It is important to note that treatment plans may vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual circumstances, so it is best to consult with our chiropractor for proper evaluation and guidance.
Here are some exercises that can help alleviate the symptoms of tennis elbow:
Wrist Extension: Sit on a chair with your forearm resting on a table, palm facing down. Hold a lightweight (1-2 lbs) in your hand and slowly lift your hand towards the ceiling, keeping your elbow still. Slowly lower the weight back down. Repeat for 2-3 sets of 12-15 repetitions.
Wrist Flexion: Sit in a chair with your forearm resting on a table, palm facing up. Hold a lightweight (1-2 lbs) in your hand and slowly lift your hand towards the ceiling, keeping your elbow still. Slowly lower the weight back down. Repeat for 2-3 sets of 12-15 repetitions.
Pronation and Supination: Sit in a chair with your forearm resting on a table, your elbow bent to 90 degrees and your palm facing down. Rotate your forearm so your palm is facing upward. Slowly rotate your forearm back to the starting position. Repeat for 2-3 sets of 12-15 repetitions.
Eccentric wrist extension: Hold a lightweight (1-2 lbs) in your hand and raise it towards the ceiling with your elbow bent to 90 degrees. Use your other hand to help lift the weight if needed. Slowly lower the weight down using only your affected hand. Repeat for 2-3 sets of 12-15 repetitions.
Finger extension: Hold a rubber band between your fingers and thumb, with your palm facing up. Open your fingers to stretch the rubber band, then release slowly. Repeat for 2-3 sets of 12-15 repetitions.
Remember to start with light weights and gradually increase as your strength improves.
In addition to those exercises above, this simple stretch will help alleviate your tennis elbow pain too:
Extend your affected arm straight out in front of you, palm facing down.
With your other hand, gently push your affected hand downward, toward the floor, until you feel a stretch in your forearm.
Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds, then release.
Repeat the stretch 3-5 times per day.
It’s important to warm up your muscles before stretching to reduce the risk of injury and make sure to perform this stretch slowly and gently to avoid exacerbating the pain. If you feel any discomfort or pain during the stretch, stop immediately and consult with a medical professional.