Tennis Elbow

Lateral epicondylitis, a painful often chronic condition, felt over the outside of the elbow often extending down the forearm, aggravated by actions involving the wrist and elbow, such as backhand stroke in tennis. It is caused by overuse or misuse of the muscles of the forearm.

With regards to tennis, it usually occurs as a result of poor backhand technique or incorrect grip of the racket.

It can also occur as a result of long periods of mouse and keyboard work at the computer, due to poor positioning of the arm when using the mouse. The forearm should be resting, comfortably, on the desk.

Healing is quicker with early appropriate intervention. Rest will obviously help the acute phase, but frequently the pain returns when the arm is used again in the same way. Physiotherapy will help in preventing this reoccurrence.

Treatment is directed at reduction of inflammation and restoration of pain free function

• Rest
• Corticosteroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation but should be followed by physiotherapy:
• Acupuncture and/or ultrasound to reduce inflammation
• Exercises to restore muscle strength and function of the elbow and wrist
• Awareness of the cause, action taken to remove or change the cause, eg, check grip on tennis racket, or alter position of the mouse so that it is close, thereby relaxing the forearm.

Tennis Tips

• Check racket grip size – there should be a thumb's width between the thumb and the tips of the fingers.
• Do not grip the racket hard.
• Good backhand grip and swing will prevent jabbing and therefore less impact at the elbow.
• Stretch before playing – elbow straight and flex wrist backwards and forwards.