Tennis elbow / Golfer's elbow
Epicondylitis
A painful condition which typically arises spontaneously near the elbow joint
What is epicondylitis?
Need to know
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What are the symptoms of epicondylitis? icon plus
Symptoms of epicondylitis can include:
- Pain on the outer or inner part of your elbow
- Point tenderness over the the prominent part of the bone on your elbow, either on the inside or outside
- Pain from gripping and movements of your wrist, especially wrist extension and lifting movements
- Pain from activities that use the muscles that extend your wrist (for example, pouring a container of liquid, lifting with the palm down)
- Occasionally morning stiffness
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How is epicondylitis diagnosed? icon plus
Your consultant will perform a clinical examination to check whether your symptoms correspond to either tennis or golfer's elbow. The best method to tell the difference is where the pain is located. If pain occurs on the inside of the elbow it is golfer's elbow. If pain occurs on the outside it is tennis elbow.
Symptoms that are assessed include whether you experience:- a radiating pain from the outside of the elbow to the forearm and wrist
- pain during extension of the wrist
- weakness of the forearm
- a painful grip while shaking hands or turning a doorknob
- painful keyboard use
- not being able to hold relatively heavy items in your hand.
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Potential treatment options icon plus
These injuries are caused by over use. The best treatment is to rest and make lifestyle changes. A number of treatments can alleviate the pain associated with epicondylitis:
- Taking painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Physiotherapy
- Surgery such as a tennis elbow release or an elbow arthroscopy
Your consultant can advise you on these options and refer you for physiotherapy. In cases where the pain is not being eased, surgery may be offered. There are many variations on the exact surgical method which may involve removing or repairing a weakened area of tendon, either through a small incision or via keyhole techniques.
Our shoulder and elbow consultants
Our locations
From complex orthopaedic surgery to diagnostic tests and scans, we provide exceptional orthopedic and sport injury care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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HCA UK at The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 1NY
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Platinum Medical Centre
15 - 17 Lodge Road
London
NW8 7JA
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
Request an orthopaedic appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with an experienced orthopaedic or sports medicine consultant. We can also arrange imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments.
Call us today
020 7079 4344