Tennis Elbow.....But I don't play tennis

Tennis elbow.... But I don't play tennis

Tennis elbow also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that occurs on the outside part of the elbow. Although described in tennis players who obtain this condition from a poor backhand stroke the vast majority of people who suffer from tennis elbow to not play and may have never played tennis. The problem arises from overuse of the arm. It can happen with any sport and even those who don't participate in any sports.

Lateral epicondylitis is a very specific condition that involves a tendon  named the extensor carpi radius brevis (ECRB) which originates on the outside or lateral part of the elbow. With overuse the EC RB tendon can become weak and small microscopic tears begin to appear at the elbow leading to inflammation and pain. Over time the tendon can even rupture.

The symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and burning and sometimes stiffness at the elbow. Many people complain of difficulty even shaking hands. The symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually and often several weeks or even months go by before patients seek medical attention.

The doctor makes the diagnosis from the patient's history and physical exam. An x-ray or MRI is usually not needed unless other causes are suspected.

Initial treatments include rest, anti-inflammatory medication, adjusting grip for those who play tennis and attempts at avoiding repetitive activities. Physical therapy and steroid injections may also be used.

Unfortunately symptoms of tennis elbow can persist even up to a year. While most people improve a small percentage of patients do not improve. For those patients surgery is recommended. There are a variety of surgical procedures that have been described for treatment of tennis elbow including arthroscopy of the elbow. The doctor will discuss these options with you.

Dr. Jack Choueka is an Adult and Pediatric Upper Extremity Surgeon

and Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at Maimonides Medical Center. 

Award winning hand surgeon Dr. Jack Choueka provides treatment for

all disorders of the upper extremity, including carpal tunnel syndrome,

arthritis, trauma, rotator cuff disease, and sports-related shoulder, elbow and wrist problems. He performs state-of-the-art surgery, including shoulder, elbow and wrist replacements. Dr. Choueka is a summa cum laude graduate from State University of New York Health Science Center’s Medical School; he completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopaedic Institute.

Dr. Choueka can be reached at 718-283-7400