Introduction

Tennis elbow is a condition where the outer part of the elbow becomes sore and tender. It is a condition that is commonly associated with playing tennis and other racquet sports, though the injury can happen to almost anybody.  The condition is more formally known as lateral epicondylitis, lateral epicondylosis, or simply lateral elbow pain.

Golfer's elbow is a similar condition that involves the inner part of the elbow, not the outer part of the elbow like Tennis elbow.

How it Happens

Repetitive stress is the most common explanation for tennis elbow, but the exact cause may vary from person to person. The most likely cause is overuse combined with other factors, such as age, frequency of play, lack of flexibility or strength, poor technique on ground strokes, off-center hits, and holding the racquet too tightly. The impact between the racquet and the ball causes vibrations that are transferred to the arm and elbow. Add repeated contraction of forearm muscles with every hit and the end result is an inflammation�and in some cases, degeneration�of tissue on the outside part of the elbow.

Conditions:

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is the inflamed tendon attached to the bony, outside part of the elbow. The tendon�s tissues may be not only inflamed, but partially torn. It is a condition that affects hundreds of thousands of tennis  and racquet sports players, as well as people who have never played a set of tennis, but who manage to sustain the same injury because of movements they perform at work or in other sports.

Golfer's Elbow

Another form of tennis elbow is called golfer's elbow, known as medial epicondylitis. It is the same problem, has the same symptoms and is treated the same way, but the inflammation and pain are on the inside part of the elbow instead of the outside.

Treatment

Initial Treatment

If you believe you suffer from tennis elbow:

• Rest from tennis for at least one week.
• Apply ice applications 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day.
• Take aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen for pain and inflammation.
• Use an elbow brace or wrap to redirect pressure away from the inflamed elbow.
• See a doctor if pain persists

Long Term Treatment

• Don�t try to come back from the injury too soon. Many players aggravate the injury because they can�t stay off the courts.
• Cross-train by playing sports or exercising in ways that don�t place undue stress on the elbow (i.e. jogging, running, cycling, walking, stretching, lower body resistance training).
• Go to a chiropractor to receive instruction on exercises that can help you recover from Tennis and Golfer's Elbow.

Make an Appointment

By Phone

Call us at (858) 452-3734 and our helpful front office staff will be happy to assist you in making an appointment with Doctor Todd Plutchok, D.C.

E-mail Us With Your Appointment Request

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