TENNIS ELBOW: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The common disorder of tennis elbow presents with pain on the lateral aspect of the elbow occurring mainly during gripping activities or resisted movements. The discomfort is felt at a tender area located over the lateral epicondyle at the insertion of the common extensor origin. Tennis elbow is a clinical diagnosis principally made on history and examination alone. It is usually a self-limiting condition and mostly resolves with non-operative management, which includes activity modification, pain relief and physiotherapy. Resolution of symptoms can take between six and 24 months before completely settling down, with 20 per cent of cases taking more than one year. Resistant cases require release surgery. This article highlights issues surrounding the diagnosis and management of tennis elbow for all involved in the care of this group of patients.