The term “tennis elbow” is used to designate pain or tenderness on the lateral (or outer) aspect of the elbow. While it occurs in all levels of tennis players, it also occurs in golfers and in various occupations. Raking the lawn or carrying heavy luggage can start the pain suddenly. However, the pain and tenderness may also result from small, repetitive stresses to the lateral side of the elbow. “Lateral epicondylitis” is the medical term for tennis elbow, which is caused by inflammation of the tendons over the lateral epicondyle of the elbow.

The initial treatment is rest, ice, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. A tennis elbow strap, worn just below the elbow, is helpful in relieving stress from the sore tendons.

An injection with local anesthetic and steroid may provide complete relief, at least temporarily, and confirm the diagnosis. Surgery is recommended only for chronic symptoms not responding to conservative care. Sonocur® treatment at M&M Orthopaedics is a newer non-surgical procedure that may provide pain relief without operative intervention.

Occupational therapy and patient education can provide a means to prevent recurrences. Often a larger grip on the handle of a tennis racket or golf club can help. Over-gripping or squeezing harder than necessary can cause more pain or cause pain to return. Getting treatment earlier rather than later often times makes treatment easier.