Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Understand why pain can appear on the outside of the elbow and what may keep the tendon area overloaded.
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow is a condition characterized by pain on the outside of the elbow joint. Despite its name, it affects not only tennis players, but also people who perform repetitive movements of the hand, wrist and fingers. The main cause is inflammation or degeneration of the tendons that attach to the elbow.
It is often confused with "golfer's elbow," which is pain on the inside of the elbow.
Causes of pain and inflammation
The most common cause of tennis elbow is repetitive twisting motions that lead to inflammation of certain muscles.
Repetitive movements
When forearm muscles are under constant tension from repetitive motion, they shorten. This stretches their tendons, which are structures with limited elasticity. Constant tension in the tendons that attach to the elbow leads to their inflammation and pain.
Symptoms
The pain is felt on the outside of the elbow, especially when grasping, lifting objects, or squeezing. Shaking hands can be painful, and some movements feel weak.
Overload
The problem often worsens when the initial symptoms are ignored and the activities that cause the pain continue. This leads to chronic inflammation.
1) Mm. Extensor Carpi Radialis brevis & longus
These are some of the main culprits of tennis elbow. Their tendons attach to the outside of the elbow, and overuse is the main cause of pain. Specifically, the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis tendon is most commonly affected due to its position and function in wrist extension. Constant tension and repetitive movements lead to microtraumas in the tendons, which provokes inflammation and pain.
2) M. Anconeus (Anconeus)
A small muscle at the back of the elbow that helps extend the joint. Its inflammation is often accompanying but contributes to the overall pain. It has a key role in stabilizing the elbow during pronation and supination.
3) M. Brachioradialis (Brachioradialis)
A muscle of the forearm that helps bend the elbow. Although it does not attach directly to the sore spot, its tension often causes additional discomfort. With constant loading, it can cause compression of the nerves in the area, which aggravates the condition.
4) Triceps Brachii (Triceps Brachii)
Although it is an antagonist of the forearm muscles, its dysfunction can place additional stress on the elbow, contributing to pain and complicating the condition. It is particularly important to note that triceps shortening can alter the biomechanics of the elbow, exacerbating inflammation.
How does physical therapy help?
Our approach is aimed at addressing the contributing factors – the constant tension and muscle imbalances that lead to tendon inflammation.
1. Relaxation of shortened muscles
With the help of manual and massage techniques, we release the tension in the shortened muscles of the forearm. This reduces the strain on the inflamed tendons and provides immediate pain relief.
2. Restoration of muscle balance
We build a personalized program of exercises to strengthen weakened muscles and relax overloaded ones. Thus, we support better function of the joint and prevent future overload.
3. Education and prevention
We work with you to correct the technique in performing the activities that caused the problem. This is key to long-term recovery and reducing the risk of relapse.
