What is tennis or golfers elbow?
Tendons attach muscles to bones and are situated all over the body. Tendinopathy is a condition that occurs following repetitive eccentric overload. It can also be part of a degenerative picture in which there are micro-tears. When it affects the common extensor origin it is called tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis, and the common flexor origins, found on the inside of the elbow, is called golfers elbow or medial epicondylitis. It is important to note that only 10% of patients with tennis elbow actually play tennis.
What are the symptoms of tennis or golfers elbow?
Symptoms are pain and in some cases, pain-related weakness Pain is most commonly felt when that tendon is used for exercise or daily activities. There can be generalised aching following activities and in some patients, this may be felt lower down the arm than the tendon. In some cases, these micro-tears can become more substantial and can even lead to tendon rupture.
How is it diagnosed?
It is diagnosed by taking a careful history and performing a detailed examination. The patient has tenderness over the affected area and pain with special tests. It is important to exclude other potential causes and exclude any significant tears. USS and MRI scans are sued to assess for tears and further delineate the extent of tendinopathy.
How is it treated?
Treatment can begin with symptomatic management with pain killers and physiotherapy to work on strengthening and a range of eccentric exercises. Activity modification is extremely important in treating these tendinopathies. Bracing can be used to offload the tendon. Steroid injections have been shown to prolong symptoms and other measures have been shown to be more beneficial in the long run.
For more prolonged cases failing to respond to these measures, a careful discussion with the patient regarding the options will be undertaken. In some cases, the release of the tendon for symptomatic relief and to promote inflammation and potential healing is required. This can allow patients to return to their normal sporting and occupational activities.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury or is experiencing pain in their shoulder or difficulty with moving the shoulder, arm or elbow and would like a consultant-led review, please contact us. Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of ACJ injuries with excellent patient outcomes.
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Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of should & elbow -related injuries with excellent patient outcomes.
SHOULDER & ELBOW CONDITIONS
If you would like to learn about other shoulder & elbow conditions click the button below to find out more
SHOULDER & ELBOW TREATMENTS
If you would like to learn about other shoulder & elbow treatments click the button below to find out more
our specialist shoulder and elbow consultants
Shoulder and Elbow care at Grosvenor Orthopaedics is led by our consultant surgeons Mr W James White and Mr David Butt, both graduates of London medical colleges. They bring extensive experience to Grosvenor Orthopaedics having worked across Guys NHS Trust and the world renowned Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.
Our team have broad experience in the successful treatment of a range of shoulder and elbow problems, addressing both young and sports related injuries as well as those relating to trauma, disease process and genetics.
Patients who choose Grosvenor Orthopaedic Partners for their treatment will receive some of the best care available in the UK. Our team are leading consultants across London’s shoulder and elbow clinics and offer specialist care to our private patients through King Edward’s Hospital, HCA Lister and other major private hospitals in central London.
Our team are well placed to manage and treat a diverse range of shoulder and elbow problems utilising cutting edge diagnostic technology and treatment approaches, both surgical and conservative. Below is an overview of some of the conditions we treat but for a more thorough understanding please contact our team here
MR W JAMES WHITE
Consultant Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon
MR DAVID BUTT
Consultant Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon
What some of our patients say
Mrs EL
Thank you for taking great care of me throughout the whole operation process! My recovery has been much faster than anticipated and I am pain free after such a long time!