TENNIS ELBOW

Tennis elbow is a condition where there is an overuse injury of elbow tendons causing inflammation and pain over the elbow.

This injury not only occurs exclusively to tennis player but may also occur in patients whose job requires repetitive use of elbow for instance carpenter, plumber and painter. Racket sport athletes are particularly at risk of this overuse injury especially with wrong technique in backhand stroke.

       

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF THE CONDITION :

1. Painful elbow especially outer aspect and may radiate to forearm and wrist.
2. Weakness and pain of elbow and hand especially when handshaking, holding cup/glass or when turning to open door knob.
   
   

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS?

Treatment depends on severity of the injury.

1. Analgesic /Antiinflammatory drugs - Oral or injection
2. Physiotherapy
3. Elbow brace
4. Surgery - may be needed if no improvement on conservative treatment
   
   

HOW IT CAN BE PREVENTED :

📌 Avoid repetitive hand and forearm rotating movement.
📌 Using correct technique of backhand stroke especially racket sport athletes.
📌 Ensure movement of elbow and wrist comfortable during physical activity.
📌 Ensure balance and not to overload elbow and wrist joints when lifting heavy objects.

In short this injury is common and do get assessment and treatment if it occurs in order to get a correct diagnosis and to avoid the injury to become chronic.

Prepared by : Mr. Muhammad Nazari bin Ismail (Sport Medicine Unit)
Translated by : Dr Muhamad Asraf bin Azhari

Date of Input: 03/05/2021 | Updated: 03/05/2021 | nur_hazalina