Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as “tennis elbow,” is a frequent musculoskeletal condition that causes pain and difficulty with arm movements. Patients often experience discomfort when bending or extending the elbow, and in more severe cases, even simple daily activities such as dressing or reaching behind the body can become painful. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking timely treatment are essential to prevent long-term complications affecting mobility and quality of life.
What is lateral epicondylitis?
Lateral epicondylitis is an inflammatory condition that occurs at the tendon attachment site on the outer part of the elbow (lateral epicondyle). It is usually caused by repetitive movements or excessive strain placed on the elbow. The condition is commonly known as “tennis elbow” because it often affects athletes, particularly those who play tennis or golf. However, in reality, it can also develop in individuals whose occupations involve frequent and forceful use of the forearm and wrist, such as carpenters, chefs, or manual laborers.
Anatomical location of the lateral epicondyle tendon attachment
Although lateral epicondylitis is not life-threatening, delayed or inadequate treatment may result in persistent pain, reduced arm function, and significant limitations in work performance as well as daily activities. Chronic tendon inflammation also carries the risk of causing permanent tendon and joint damage if left untreated.
Causes of lateral epicondylitis
Several key factors contribute to the development of lateral epicondylitis, including:
Repetitive movements: Overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons around the elbow over an extended period is the most common cause. Continuous activities such as racquet sports or frequent lifting place excessive stress on the tendons, leading to inflammation and pain.
Prolonged tendon strain: Sports such as tennis or golf, as well as occupations requiring frequent heavy gripping or lifting, can cause ongoing stress on the tendon attachment at the lateral epicondyle.
Accumulated microtrauma: Improper technique or excessive force during movement may result in repeated micro-injuries at the tendon insertion site, gradually causing tendon inflammation.
Age-related factors: With advancing age, tendon strength and elasticity decline, increasing susceptibility to injury and inflammation, particularly in individuals over the age of 40.
Symptoms of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
The clinical manifestations of lateral epicondylitis are usually easy to recognize. Patients may experience the following symptoms:
Patients with lateral epicondylitis often present with pain and difficulty in moving the elbow joint.
Pain on the outer side of the elbow, especially when gripping objects, rotating the wrist, or lifting. The pain may begin as mild discomfort but tends to worsen if left untreated.
Pain radiating down the forearm, causing difficulty with daily activities such as opening a bottle cap, turning a doorknob, or even shaking hands.
Weakened grip strength, leading to frequent dropping of objects or a noticeable loss of power during tasks requiring hand strength. This reflects damage to the forearm muscles and tendons attached to the elbow.
Joint stiffness and restricted elbow mobility, making it difficult to fully extend or flex the arm, thereby interfering with work and everyday activities.
These symptoms usually develop gradually but become more pronounced and persistent over time.
Treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
Management of lateral epicondylitis typically begins with conservative therapies aimed at relieving pain and restoring mobility. In severe or persistent cases, surgical intervention may be considered.
Conservative treatment
Rest and activity modification: Rest remains the most fundamental approach, helping to reduce strain on the inflamed tendon. Adjusting or reducing repetitive activities allows the tendon to recover naturally.
Hot and cold therapy: During the first 48 hours, cold compresses help reduce pain and swelling by constricting blood vessels and limiting inflammation. After the acute phase, warm compresses promote muscle and tendon relaxation, improve circulation, and reduce stiffness.
Anti-inflammatory medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), prescribed by a physician, help relieve pain and inflammation by inhibiting COX enzymes and reducing pro-inflammatory mediators.
Physical therapy: Modalities such as laser therapy, shockwave therapy, or magnetic field therapy may be applied directly to the tendon insertion site. These methods stimulate blood flow, enhance tendon healing, and strengthen surrounding muscles.
Rehabilitation exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises for the elbow improve flexibility, restore function, and help prevent recurrence.
Corticosteroid injections: Local corticosteroid injections provide rapid pain and inflammation relief, but should only be performed under medical supervision and limited in frequency due to potential adverse effects with repeated use.
Viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injections): Intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections act as a lubricant, reducing friction between tissues, relieving pain, and improving tendon or joint function.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: A modern and advanced treatment in which the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma is injected into the injured tendon. PRP promotes natural tendon and soft tissue repair, offering a safe, effective option with minimal side effects, while potentially reducing the need for long-term medication or surgical intervention.
Patients with lateral epicondylitis have been effectively treated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections at Hong Ngoc General Hospital.
Surgical treatment
In cases where conservative therapies fail to provide adequate relief, surgery may be considered as the final treatment option. The procedure is performed to remove damaged portions of the tendon, particularly in patients with partial or complete tendon tears, thereby alleviating pain and restoring elbow function.
At Hong Ngoc General Hospital, physicians continuously update and apply advanced, evidence-based approaches in the management of lateral epicondylitis. These include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid, physical therapy and rehabilitation, as well as surgical intervention when indicated. Depending on each patient’s specific condition, the treating physician will determine the most appropriate treatment plan with the goal of minimizing invasive procedures. This approach helps patients control pain, promote tendon healing, and restore full range of motion, while preventing serious complications such as tendon rupture, tearing, or permanent functional loss.
If you experience symptoms of lateral epicondylitis, please contact Hong Ngoc General Hospital – Hotline: 0889 621 046 for timely medical support.
Note: The information provided in this article by Hong Ngoc General Hospital is for reference only and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Patients should not self-medicate. For an accurate assessment of your condition, please visit a hospital for direct examination, diagnosis, and consultation with a physician to receive the most appropriate treatment plan.
Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as “tennis elbow,” is a frequent musculoskeletal condition that causes pain and difficulty with arm movements. Patients often experience discomfort when bending or extending the elbow, and in more severe cases, even simple daily activities such as dressing or reaching behind the body can become painful. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking timely treatment are essential to prevent long-term complications affecting mobility and quality of life.
What is lateral epicondylitis?
Lateral epicondylitis is an inflammatory condition that occurs at the tendon attachment site on the outer part of the elbow (lateral epicondyle). It is usually caused by repetitive movements or excessive strain placed on the elbow. The condition is commonly known as “tennis elbow” because it often affects athletes, particularly those who play tennis or golf. However, in reality, it can also develop in individuals whose occupations involve frequent and forceful use of the forearm and wrist, such as carpenters, chefs, or manual laborers.
Anatomical location of the lateral epicondyle tendon attachment
Although lateral epicondylitis is not life-threatening, delayed or inadequate treatment may result in persistent pain, reduced arm function, and significant limitations in work performance as well as daily activities. Chronic tendon inflammation also carries the risk of causing permanent tendon and joint damage if left untreated.
Causes of lateral epicondylitis
Several key factors contribute to the development of lateral epicondylitis, including:
Repetitive movements: Overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons around the elbow over an extended period is the most common cause. Continuous activities such as racquet sports or frequent lifting place excessive stress on the tendons, leading to inflammation and pain.
Prolonged tendon strain: Sports such as tennis or golf, as well as occupations requiring frequent heavy gripping or lifting, can cause ongoing stress on the tendon attachment at the lateral epicondyle.
Accumulated microtrauma: Improper technique or excessive force during movement may result in repeated micro-injuries at the tendon insertion site, gradually causing tendon inflammation.
Age-related factors: With advancing age, tendon strength and elasticity decline, increasing susceptibility to injury and inflammation, particularly in individuals over the age of 40.
Symptoms of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
The clinical manifestations of lateral epicondylitis are usually easy to recognize. Patients may experience the following symptoms:
Patients with lateral epicondylitis often present with pain and difficulty in moving the elbow joint.
Pain on the outer side of the elbow, especially when gripping objects, rotating the wrist, or lifting. The pain may begin as mild discomfort but tends to worsen if left untreated.
Pain radiating down the forearm, causing difficulty with daily activities such as opening a bottle cap, turning a doorknob, or even shaking hands.
Weakened grip strength, leading to frequent dropping of objects or a noticeable loss of power during tasks requiring hand strength. This reflects damage to the forearm muscles and tendons attached to the elbow.
Joint stiffness and restricted elbow mobility, making it difficult to fully extend or flex the arm, thereby interfering with work and everyday activities.
These symptoms usually develop gradually but become more pronounced and persistent over time.
Treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
Management of lateral epicondylitis typically begins with conservative therapies aimed at relieving pain and restoring mobility. In severe or persistent cases, surgical intervention may be considered.
Conservative treatment
Rest and activity modification: Rest remains the most fundamental approach, helping to reduce strain on the inflamed tendon. Adjusting or reducing repetitive activities allows the tendon to recover naturally.
Hot and cold therapy: During the first 48 hours, cold compresses help reduce pain and swelling by constricting blood vessels and limiting inflammation. After the acute phase, warm compresses promote muscle and tendon relaxation, improve circulation, and reduce stiffness.
Anti-inflammatory medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), prescribed by a physician, help relieve pain and inflammation by inhibiting COX enzymes and reducing pro-inflammatory mediators.
Physical therapy: Modalities such as laser therapy, shockwave therapy, or magnetic field therapy may be applied directly to the tendon insertion site. These methods stimulate blood flow, enhance tendon healing, and strengthen surrounding muscles.
Rehabilitation exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises for the elbow improve flexibility, restore function, and help prevent recurrence.
Corticosteroid injections: Local corticosteroid injections provide rapid pain and inflammation relief, but should only be performed under medical supervision and limited in frequency due to potential adverse effects with repeated use.
Viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injections): Intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections act as a lubricant, reducing friction between tissues, relieving pain, and improving tendon or joint function.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: A modern and advanced treatment in which the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma is injected into the injured tendon. PRP promotes natural tendon and soft tissue repair, offering a safe, effective option with minimal side effects, while potentially reducing the need for long-term medication or surgical intervention.
Patients with lateral epicondylitis have been effectively treated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections at Hong Ngoc General Hospital.
Surgical treatment
In cases where conservative therapies fail to provide adequate relief, surgery may be considered as the final treatment option. The procedure is performed to remove damaged portions of the tendon, particularly in patients with partial or complete tendon tears, thereby alleviating pain and restoring elbow function.
At Hong Ngoc General Hospital, physicians continuously update and apply advanced, evidence-based approaches in the management of lateral epicondylitis. These include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid, physical therapy and rehabilitation, as well as surgical intervention when indicated. Depending on each patient’s specific condition, the treating physician will determine the most appropriate treatment plan with the goal of minimizing invasive procedures. This approach helps patients control pain, promote tendon healing, and restore full range of motion, while preventing serious complications such as tendon rupture, tearing, or permanent functional loss.
If you experience symptoms of lateral epicondylitis, please contact Hong Ngoc General Hospital – Hotline: 0889 621 046 for timely medical support.
Note: The information provided in this article by Hong Ngoc General Hospital is for reference only and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Patients should not self-medicate. For an accurate assessment of your condition, please visit a hospital for direct examination, diagnosis, and consultation with a physician to receive the most appropriate treatment plan.
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