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Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow – Epicondylitis humeri radialis

Tennis elbow or tennis elbow refers to an extremely painful inflammation of the upper arm, which can be caused by unaccustomed strain as well as overuse and incorrect use of the arm. A permanent irritation at the attachments of the external tendons and muscles, which begin at the projections of the humerus above the joint thickenings, provides an overstimulation, to which the organism reacts with an inflammation. Prompt orthopedic treatment alleviates the pain and the movement restrictions associated with it.

If you experience pain in your arms that could indicate tennis elbow, make an appointment with your orthopedic specialist at the Orthopedic Center Munich East (OZMO) as soon as possible. Our specialists ensure a reliable and rapid diagnosis and immediately initiate the individually appropriate treatment against the discomfort caused by tennis elbow.

Learn more about the clinical picture of tennis elbow – epicondylitis humeri radialis – and about our work at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost.

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Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost - Ellenbogen - Erkrankungen

Table of Contents:

What is tennis elbow?

Symptoms of tennis elbow
Causes of tennis elbow

Diagnosis of tennis elbow
Treatment of tennis elbow and tennis elbow
Have tennis elbow treated by our orthopedists at OZMO

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is said to occur when muscle groups in the arm develop inflammation due to overuse or improper use. The name is derived from the muscle group used, which is quickly overloaded during intensive tennis training. The overuse overstimulates the tissues, causing fine muscle tears that can become inflamed. The result is typical symptoms such as swelling and pain.

However, the symptoms of tennis elbow are not only caused by playing tennis, but in general by the overload of the muscle group responsible for the extension of the wrist, which has been strained by acute and intensive continuous movements. In addition to tennis, these include rowing and weight training, manual activities with monotonous movements such as carpentry or painting, playing musical instruments, and working at a supermarket checkout or computer. Tennis elbow is also referred to as

Radial epicondylopathy or lateral epicondylopathy (medical),
Tennis elbow or
Mouse arm / Mouse arm.

It must also be differentiated by the orthopedic specialist from the so-called “golfer’s elbow” (medically called ulnar epicondylopathy or medial epicondylopathy), which affects the muscle group responsible for flexion.

Symptoms of tennis elbow

The symptoms show up in tennis elbow with pain and a feeling of weakness when pulling. There is a lack of strength to make a fist, hold a cup, or shake hands. Stretching the elbow joint is almost impossible for affected patients. When pressure is applied, the visual base of the hand and fingers hurt, as does the entire forearm on the outside. Sometimes patients also report a tingling sensation in the hand. A protective posture is common in patients with tennis elbow.

Causes of tennis elbow

The causes of tennis elbow always lie in an overload of the tendons and muscles on the outside of the elbow. Frequent repetition of repetitive motion, as well as heavy loading without adequate “warm-up” of the muscles, leads to micro-injuries in the tissues. Thus, it is understandable that intensive stress on the area by playing tennis or rowing, playing musical instruments or working on the computer can cause tennis elbow.

Additional risk factors for tennis elbow are seen in weakened muscles due to insufficient training and older age, as the elasticity of the tendons suffers as a result. Previous conditions in the area can also increase the risk of developing tennis elbow.

Diagnosis of tennis elbow

In the diagnosis for tennis elbow, the physician will first ask questions about the development of the complaints as part of the medical history. This includes asking about previous complaints and injuries, the first onset of symptoms, and movements that make the complaints stronger or weaker. Special movement tests, such as lifting tests (e.g. filled coffee cup) and the attempt to stretch the arm or to generate counterpressure in response to pressure, provide the experienced orthopedic specialist with information about the presence of tennis elbow.

To rule out more advanced conditions, the physical examination includes more extensive parts of the body such as the cervical spine, hand, and shoulder. Signs of nerve bottlenecks, motor function, and circulation problems, if any, are also checked. Imaging examinations can be performed in addition, for example, to rule out osteoarthritis, which, unlike tennis elbow, can be detected on X-ray. Unclear elbow injuries can also be checked with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound.

Treatment of tennis elbow and tennis elbow

In the treatment for tennis elbow, there are various ways to alleviate the symptoms on the one hand, and to eliminate the cause as best as possible on the other. Thus, in most cases, pain relief is achieved with medication and consistent rest of the tennis elbow is recommended by relieving pressure on the area, accompanied by conservative measures such as cooling. Bandages, taping, or a pad can be used in a supportive manner to assist with sparing in moderately severe cases.

If necessary, this can be followed by therapy with stretching and strengthening exercises for the affected arm or supplemented by ultrasound treatment. Other proven procedures include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a gentle electrotherapy, infiltration therapy with injections (painkillers or anesthetics, cortisone) or shock wave therapy. An experienced orthopedist can also suggest individually suitable therapy alternatives. Surgery is necessary only in a few cases and in case of repeated occurrence. However, even if tennis elbow occurs once, affected patients should avoid similar overuse in the future, strengthen the muscles, and initiate measures to prevent recurrence of injury due to misuse and overuse, for example by learning appropriate exercises in physical therapy.

Have tennis elbow treated by our orthopedists at OZMO

With many years of experience and a high level of expertise, you will always find the right treatment provider for orthopedic diseases with our experienced team of specialists at the Orthopedic Center Munich East (OZMO). Tennis elbow is a common complaint for which our competent orthopedists can advise you on the individually appropriate treatment after careful diagnostics. Our team accompanies you from diagnostics to treatment with expertise and reliability under one roof.

Schedule your appointment at OZMO today for treatment of tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow or other conditions requiring orthopedic treatment.

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Th:	08:00 – 12:00 13:30 – 17:30
Fr:	08:00 – 12:00