Tennis Elbow

Definition

• Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain on the outside of the elbow.
• It is usually caused by overuse or repetitive strain on the forearm muscles and tendons.

Types

• Chronic tennis elbow: This is the most common type, causing persistent pain on the outside of the elbow.
• Acute tennis elbow: This type of tennis elbow is sudden and severe, often caused by a specific incident or injury.
• Recurrent tennis elbow: This type of tennis elbow occurs when symptoms return after they have improved.

Causes

• Overuse: Repetitive strain on the forearm muscles and tendons.
• Poor technique: Using a tennis racket or other equipment incorrectly.
• Inadequate warm-up: Not warming up properly before engaging in activities that use the forearm muscles.
• Weak or tight muscles: Weak or tight muscles in the forearm, wrist, or hand.
• Injury: A direct blow to the elbow or forearm.

Clinical Features

• Pain: Pain on the outside of the elbow, which may radiate to the forearm or wrist.
• Tenderness: Tenderness to the touch on the lateral epicondyle.
• Weakness: Weakness in the forearm muscles.
• Limited mobility: Reduced mobility of the elbow joint.
• Locking or catching: Locking or catching sensations in the elbow joint.

Investigations

• Imaging studies: X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI scans to rule out other conditions.
• Physical examination: A thorough examination of the elbow and forearm to assess range of motion, strength, and tenderness.

Complications

• Chronic pain: Persistent pain on the outside of the elbow.
• Limited mobility: Reduced mobility of the elbow joint.
• Weakness: Weakness in the forearm muscles.

Management

• Rest and ice: Resting the elbow and applying ice to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to improve range of motion and strength.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy to improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility.
• Medications: Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to manage pain and inflammation.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerves or tendons.

Homoeopathic Therapeutics

• Arnica montana: For pain and inflammation.
• Bryonia: For pain and stiffness.
• Rhus toxicodendron: For pain and stiffness in the muscles.
• Rhus aromatica: For pain and stiffness in the muscles.
• Borax: For inflammation and pain.

Blood Supply

• The blood supply to the lateral epicondyle is from the radial collateral artery.
• The blood supply to the forearm muscles is from the radial and ulnar arteries.

Nerve Supply

• The nerve supply to the lateral epicondyle is from the radial nerve.
• The nerve supply to the forearm muscles is from the radial and ulnar nerves.

Clinical Anatomy

• The lateral epicondyle is a bony prominence on the outside of the elbow joint.
• The forearm muscles, including the extensor carpi radialis brevis and extensor digitorum, attach to the lateral epicondyle.
• The radial nerve and radial collateral artery run along the lateral aspect of the elbow joint.