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Elbow

Tennis Elbow

What is the lateral epicondyle?

The lateral epicondyle is the bony bump on the outer side of the elbow. It serves as the attachment point for the tendons that extend the wrist and fingers.

These tendons connect the forearm extensor muscles to the elbow and help you straighten the wrist and fingers. They’re especially active during gripping, lifting, and repetitive wrist motions.

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury where the tendons attached to the lateral epicondyle become irritated or degenerated. Despite the name, it’s not limited to tennis players and can affect anyone who performs repetitive wrist extension or gripping tasks.

It’s usually caused by repetitive stress from activities like lifting, typing, painting, or sports involving racquets. Tiny tears can develop in the tendon over time, leading to pain and inflammation.

Symptoms include pain on the outer elbow, which may radiate into the forearm. Pain often worsens with gripping, lifting, or wrist movement. Some patients experience weakness in the affected arm.

Diagnosis is based on a physical exam, including tenderness over the lateral epicondyle and pain with resisted wrist extension. Imaging like ultrasound or MRI may be used if symptoms persist or to rule out other causes of pain.

Most cases are treated non-surgically with:

  • Rest and activity modification
  • Physical therapy and stretching
  • Ice and anti-inflammatory medications
  • Bracing or counterforce straps
  • Corticosteroid or biologic injections

Surgery may be considered for chronic cases unresponsive to 6–12 months of conservative care.

PRP is a biologic injection made from your own blood. It contains concentrated platelets and growth factors that may promote tendon healing. PRP is often used when conservative treatments haven’t fully resolved symptoms.

This procedure involves removing the damaged portion of the tendon and reattaching healthy tissue back to the lateral epicondyle. It is designed to relieve pain and restore function.

Recovery typically takes 3 to 6 months. You’ll wear a brace or splint briefly, followed by physical therapy to restore motion and strength. Most patients return to normal activity within 3 months and to sports or heavy use by 4 to 6 months.

At a Glance

Sachin Allahabadi, MD

  • Board-Certified & Fellowship-Trained Sports Medicine Surgeon
  • Expertise in Minimally Invasive Knee & Shoulder Surgeries
  • Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital & Weill Cornell Medical College
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