Lateral epicondylalgia is commonly referred to as tennis elbow and is an overuse injury of the extensor muscles of the wrist and fingers which attach to the outside of the elbow. This overload is often caused by repetitive gripping, twisting and wrist extension. It the most common cause of chronic elbow pain.
Signs of lateral epicondylalgia/tennis elbow include:
- Pain on the outside of your elbow and forearm
- Pain is worse with use and better with rest
- It does not cause any sensory changes such as tingling or numbness.
Conservative management of lateral epicondylalgia starts with a brief period of decreased loading to reduce symptom severity. A brace may be useful to help control the amount of loading to the tendon. This is followed by progressive strengthening in the arm to build the capacity of the tissues and stimulate healing. Tissues that are stronger are less likely to be overloaded.
Please see the Physio Fixes program for a step-by-step guide on lateral epicondylalgia rehabilitation exercises.
DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for medical counseling. By choosing to follow the information that follows, you recognize that despite all precautions taken by Physio Fixes Inc. there is a potential risk of injury and you expressly acknowledge such risks and waive, relinquish, and release any claim that you may have against Physio Fixes Inc. You should always get evaluated for exercise by a physician or medical professionals, especially if symptoms occur from a trauma or are worsening. The user agrees by purchasing this program that Physio Fixes will not be held responsible in the event that an injury occurs.
References
Lucado AM, Day JM, Vincent JI, MacDermid JC, Fedorczyk J, Grewal R, Martin RL. Lateral Elbow Pain and Muscle Function Impairments. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022 Dec;52(12):CPG1-CPG111. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2022.0302. PMID: 36453071.
