Synonyms
- Tennis elbow
- Epicondylitis humeri radialis
- Epicondylitis humeri lateralis
- Mouse arm mouse elbow
Tennis elbow is a disease from the orthopedic field. It is an inflammation of the tendon attachments of the extensor muscles of the lower arm. The resulting scar tissue at the transition from tendon to bone then causes severe pain. The inflammation takes its name from the fact that it occurred particularly in the past, especially among tennis players. In the meantime, however, this has changed, as it is now more and more frequently triggered by corresponding professions due to the increased use of computers and the mouse.
Epidemiology
The tennis elbow is a very common disease. It mainly affects people between the ages of 35 and 50, although men are somewhat more common. Up to half of all tennis players suffer from tennis elbow at least once in their life.
Causes
There are several causes for tennis elbow. The most important is the long-term mechanical overstrain of the forearm and its muscles. This has a negative effect especially if it is only one-sided (as for example when using the mouse) or if it is accompanied by a wrong posture.
In tennis, an incorrect backhand technique in particular leads to the formation of a tennis elbow. Pre-existing diseases of the elbow such as arthrosis or fibromyalgia are also discussed as further reasons. Why, however, a tennis elbow develops in some people with a corresponding risk profile and not in others, cannot yet be conclusively explained.
Symptoms
The main symptom of the tennis elbow is pain. Initially, it is usually limited to the bony prominence located on the outside of the elbow and is not permanent, but mainly occurs when pressure is applied to this bone or when the muscles whose tendons are inflamed are strained. This musculature is responsible for the extension of the hand.
This is why pain typically occurs during the following movements: the extension of the wrist or even just the middle finger, especially when this extension takes place against resistance, the rotation of the forearm or the extension of the elbow when the hand is passively brought into a bent position during this process. A fist closure can also provoke pain. Other tendons of the elbow can also be inflamed and cause similar complaints.
In the course of time, the pain usually gets stronger and stronger and it can happen that it does not disappear completely even when the arm is in a completely resting position. In such an advanced stage they often radiate far into the forearm. Tennis elbow can also cause weakness in the wrist, which can eventually lead to a reduction in strength.
As a result, the entire arm is functionally severely restricted, especially gripping is extremely difficult. Everyday movements such as shaking hands or even just taking a pen in the hand can cause extreme pain for those affected. As a result, the quality of life is often severely affected.
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