Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the outer part of the elbow. It occurs when the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the elbow become inflamed or develop tiny tears due to repeated use. You don’t need to play tennis to get this condition—activities like typing, painting, or lifting can also cause it. Dr. Arun Jyothi offers expert evaluation and treatment for patients struggling with this condition.

The main tendon involved in tennis elbow is called the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB). Repetitive motion and strain can irritate this tendon, especially where it attaches to the lateral epicondyle—the bony bump on the outer elbow. This irritation leads to pain, especially during activities like gripping, lifting, or twisting the forearm. The elbow joint depends on healthy tendons, muscles, and ligaments to function properly, so overuse can significantly impact daily life.

Tennis elbow is common in athletes and non-athletes alike—including office workers, construction professionals, and homemakers. Anyone who performs repetitive tasks using their arms and wrists can develop this condition. If left untreated, the pain can worsen and affect your ability to do routine tasks. Dr. Arun Jyothi provides advanced treatment options, including physiotherapy, medications, PRP therapy, and in some cases, minimally invasive surgery to relieve pain and restore movement.

Causes

Tennis elbow is usually caused by repetitive strain on the elbow, wrist, or hand. It’s common in people aged 30 to 50 and often results from poor sports technique, weak arm muscles, or frequent use of tools. Jobs like painting, carpentry, or typing, and lifting heavy objects can also lead to this condition.

Symptoms

The main symptoms include:

• Pain on the outer side of the elbow
• Weak grip strength when holding or lifting things
• Pain increases when bending the wrist or shaking hands

Most cases of tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) can be treated without surgery. Dr. Arun Jyothi focuses on reducing pain, improving strength, and restoring natural movement through personalized care. Surgery is only considered if symptoms continue for more than 6 months despite other treatments.

1. Rest & Support
   Rest and use a brace to avoid strain and support the elbow during healing.
2. Medications & Ice
   Use anti-inflammatory drugs and ice packs to reduce pain and swelling.
3. Physical Therapy
   Exercises, massage, and ultrasound strengthen muscles and restore movement.
4. Shockwave Therapy
   Sound waves stimulate healing in tendons to speed up recovery.
5. Injections & Acupuncture
   Steroid injections or acupuncture reduce pain and relax tight muscles.
6. Surgery
   Surgical options repair damaged tendons via open surgery or arthroscopy.