Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow (epicondylitis lateralis) is caused by an overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm that attach to the outside of the elbow (lateral epicondyle). These are muscles that provide stretching of the wrist and fingers.

Symptoms

When suffering from tennis elbow, it is especially painful during wringing movements, but lifting objects can also be difficult and painful. As the inflammation progresses, (micro) tears can develop in the tendon and eventually these tears can expand further. The inflammation is the result of chronic overuse usually caused by repetitive movements, both at work and recreationally.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis is made at the consultation based on specific symptoms. Sometimes additional imaging (RX, ultrasound, MRI) will need to confirm the diagnosis.

‍Treatment

Treatment of tennis elbow is always attempted first with local ice application, rest, anti-inflammatories and physical therapy. If necessary, a brace can help improve the pain symptoms. Because it is an overuse injury, adjustment of the work or sports environment is important to achieve healing and avoid relapses.

Injections

If there is insufficient recovery, a cortisone injection around the tendon may help suppress local inflammation. The number of cortisone injections is limited to two to three times per year.

More and more, cortisone injections are being replaced by PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injections. This involves taking a blood sample from the patient which is centrifuged at high speed, separating the plasma from the rest of the blood. That plasma contains many platelets and growth factors that can provide healing for the diseased tendon. The plasma is then injected into and around the inflamed tendon. Usually two PRP injections are given about two weeks apart. The success rate is around 50-70%.

The brochure below provides more information about treatment with PRP.

ESWT

Another possible treatment is ESWT (extra corporeal shock wave). This involves stimulating blood flow to the tendon through shock waves to promote healing.

Surgery

If the previous treatments do not help enough, surgery may be necessary. During this procedure, the diseased part of the tendon is removed and the tendon is anchored back to the bone. This can be done through a day surgery. After surgery, the elbow is sometimes immobilized for a short period of time. The healing process may take three to six months.‍

Departments

For more information, please visit the orthopaedics department.

Telephone 011 33 42 86