Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy Brief Review:

  • Tennis elbow,” is caused by repetitive overuse of the wrist extensor and forearm supinator muscles that originate at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus—more specifically, the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon.
  • On physical examination, there should be no tenderness directly over the radial head.
  • Plain radiographs are not needed to make an accurate diagnosis of tennis elbow.

Treatment:

  • Cryotherapy, ice massage, and NSAIDs or acetaminophen are excellent pain relievers.
  • NSAIDs and corticosteroid injection is now questioned because inflammation no longer seems a main factor in the injury process.
    • Corticosteroid injections help quickly reduce the pain of lateral elbow tendinosis related to peripheral peritendinous inflammation but do not alter the long-term outcome.
  • Counterforce straps applied just distal to the area of maximal tenderness.
  • Therapeutic exercises
    • Massage
    • Stretching: The most effective stretch is performed with the elbow extended, forearm fully pronated, and wrist flexed.
    • Strengthening exercises for wrist extension and forearm supination.
  • Prolotherapy and extracorporeal shock wave therapy: Mixed result
  • Platelet-rich plasma injections: Have not been proven