Definition | Physiotherapy to treat a tennis elbow

Definition

The so-called tennis elbow, or epicondylopathia or epicondylitis lateralis, is one of the most common symptoms of the elbow. More precisely, it is an irritation of the tendon attachment of the muscles of the forearm and hand (so-called extensors). These muscles start with their tendons on the outside of the elbow, the epicondylus lateralis humeri, and are responsible for the movement of the fingers, wrist and partly also for the movement of the elbow joint. Irritation of this attachment tendon is often referred to as tennis elbow, which is sometimes very painful. Men and women between the ages of 40 and 60 are most frequently and equally affected.

Symptoms

The symptoms of tennis elbow are primarily pain on the outer elbow and a pressure pain in this area. The pain is provoked especially during the stretching movement of the elbow and during the rotation of the forearm. Stretching or lifting the hand or middle finger against resistance can also be painful.

In some cases a slight swelling can be found in the area of the elbow. Sensitivity disorders, on the other hand, are rather rare. Typical signs of inflammation, such as permanent pain or pain at night and at rest are also rare. The main symptom in this clinical picture is therefore pain in the area of the outer elbow. However, since this can also occur in various other symptoms, for example impingement syndrome, instability or radial tunnel syndrome, it is important to find the exact cause of the pain.

Causes

Contrary to what the name tennis elbow or tennis elbow might suggest, sports activities are relatively rarely the cause of this complaint. External influences, such as a fall or an impact, are also among the rare causes. Rather, the mechanical overstressing of the forearm muscles and their tendons is more likely.As already mentioned, incorrect and/or overloading causes micro lesions that cause inflammation.

Due to the constant strain on the muscles, for example at work or when writing with an unfavorable hand position, these injuries cannot heal completely and become chronic. Frequent activities, such as working with a screwdriver or at the computer, can cause such overload. Although sport is rarely the cause of tennis elbow, it can happen that especially amateurs, for example in tennis, get problems in the area of the elbow due to a wrong technique and the resulting incorrect strain.