What Is Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow is a condition that affects the tendons that attach to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow. It typically happens when you use your arm to repeatedly lift or twist objects, such as when you are playing tennis, lifting weights or work that involves repetitive arm movements. The condition is typically caused by overusing the wrist extensor muscles (the muscles that are on the top of your forearm), as these muscles all come and attach on the same point on the outside of the elbow. This area is called the lateral epicondyle. As a result the condition is actually termed lateral epicondylitis.

How Does Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) feel?

The pain is usually felt on the outer part of your arm and can be felt when you try to straighten or bend your wrist. It can also be triggered by activities like lifting heavy objects, using tools, or even driving. The pain can present in different ways. However, it may commonly present with a dull ache around the outside of the elbow when using the forearm muscles. You may also experience a sharp pain in the outside of the elbow when gripping an object, for example picking up a kettle.

How Do We Treat Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain in the outside of the elbow. It is caused by overuse and can be treated with a variety of options.

The first step in treating tennis elbow is to start to manage the symptoms, this is can be achieved with rest, ice or anti-inflammatory means for the elbow The next step is to identify the cause and begin a personalised treatment and rehabilitation program with a goal of improving the flexibility and strength at the elbow, wrist and shoulder joint.

At our Orpington and Bromley clinics we work extensively with tennis elbow and can happily build these programs for you alongside hands on manual treatment.