Lateral Epicondylalgia (Tennis Elbow) | Plenty Physiotherapy, Bundoora

Lateral Epicondylalgia (Tennis Elbow) Document

Lateral epicondylalgia, commonly known as  tennis elbow, is a degenerative or overuse  condition, causing potential inflammation and  microtears to tendons. This involves the  common wrist extensor tendons, particularly the  extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), at its’ insertion on the lateral epicondyle of the  humerus. This region of the forearm is the  common extensor origin (where all the wrist  extensors meet at this point on the humerus).  dition often causes pain and tenderness  at the outside region of the elbow.  Despite the term -itis (in some diagnoses), it is not primarily inflammatory—rather, it is  a tendinopathy characterised by:- Collagen disorganisation - Angiofibroblastic hyperplasia - Increased tendon load sensitivity Contributing Factors:) Repetitive movements: Activities which involve repetitive wrist extension and  high amounts of hand gripping, such as using tools, typing, and tennis, can lead  to the overload and strain of this wrist extensor tendons, therefore lead to lateral  epicondylalgia. B) Poor ergonomics: Poor work environment, poor equipment, ergonomic design  and poor technique during daily tasks and sports can increase stress on the  tendons and initiate/worsen these conditions.  C) Age-related: Over time as people age, tendons become less flexible and more  rigid, consequently increasing the risk of tendon microtraumas and injuries such  as lateral epicondylalgia.  D) Decreased Strength: Decreased muscle deficits in the forearm muscles, more  specifically the wrist extensors, can increase loads into the tendon, potentially  increasing the risk of developing lateral epicondylalgia. Treatment/management:  1) Activity modifications: Identifying aggravating factors and avoiding or reducing  these will reduce irritation and minimise the cycle of potential inflammation  which can help with pain reduction and healing. 2) Exercise-based rehab: Strengthening the wrist extensor muscles and  surrounding upper limb muscles will help support the injured tendon, but also  increase the capacity and load in which the tendon can withstand for future  physical demands. This will help with recovery and minimising future injuries. 3) Bracing/Taping: Using tennis elbow specific braces can help support the injured  tendon and distribute/shift force away from the tendons’ attachment point in the  elbow. This helps support the area to de-load, heal and reduce pain. ) Manual therapy: Soft tissue work to release the forearm muscles and other  surrounding soft tissue, as well as joint mobilisations of the radioulnar joint, can  help with pain, facilitating normal movement and healing. Dry needling can be  an option for trigger points in the muscle of the target tissue.