Lateral Epicondylitis/Tennis Elbow

Question 1

What is Lateral Epicondylitis?

Answer 1

Most common overuse injury in the elbow
Tendinopathy of wrist extensors
1-3% pop, F=M, 50-60yrs most common
ECRB most commonly affected (lat epicondyle of humerus to post surface base of 3rd MC)

Question 2

What are the causes of lateral epicondylitis?

Answer 2

Excessive/ repetitive use of wrist extensors eg racquet sports, musicians, manual workers
RF - smoking and obesity

Question 3

What is the clinical presentation of lateral epicondylitis?

Answer 3

Pain around lat epicondyle
In line with extensors
Intermittent/ continuous pain varying in severity
Aggravated by resisted wrist and finger extension and supination
Stretching the tendon and gripping reproduces symptoms

Question 4

What are ways to manage lateral epicondylitis?

Answer 4

Load management
Exercises
Brace/taping
Education
Surgery
Shockwave therapy 
Corticosteroid injections
NSAIDs