Patient information

Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis

This information has been produced to help you gain the maximum benefit and
understanding of your condition and its treatment.
It includes the following information:
Key points
About your elbow
What is tennis elbow
Treatment options
About the operation including the risks and alternative solutions
Frequently asked questions
Exercises
Contact details
Useful links

Key points
These are the key points to remember about having tennis elbow:
1. It is a self limiting condition no-one ever has it forever.
2. 90% of people are better after 1 year.
3. Physiotherapy, activity modification and simple exercises will control the symptoms in
most people.
4. Injections are reserved for very resistant cases.
5. An operation is only considered as a last resort.

About your elbow

The elbow consists of the upper arm bone and
two bones in the forearm. It has two joints:
One joint acts as a hinge, enabling you to
bend and straighten your elbow.

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One joint provides rotation of your forearm, for example, to put your palm up towards
the ceiling to receive change in a shop.
The joint is surrounded by muscles, some which move the elbow and others the wrist and
fingers.
Muscles are attached to the bones by tendons.
In addition there are nerves which pass close by the joint (e.g. hitting your elbow can
produce pain and pins and needles in the forearm and/or fingers).

What is tennis elbow?

It is a problem with the tendons that attach the muscles of the wrist and fingers to the bone
on the outside of the elbow. One or more of the tendons become painful, thickened or
swollen and the discomfort can be felt into the forearm (i.e. along the length of the
muscles).
A similar pain can be felt on the inside of the elbow. This is sometimes called medial tennis
elbow or golfers elbow where it affects different tendons.
When you have a tennis elbow, other structures that are close to the tendon may be
affected, such as the nerves or joints; and the muscles that are attached to the tendons
can become weakened.

How common is it?

It occurs at any age (most frequently between 40-50 years) and is more common in
women than men.

What are the symptoms?

Varying degrees of pain, on the outside of the elbow; from mild discomfort to severe pain
interfering with sleep. Gripping or twisting movements are often painful, and may be worse
against resistance (weight) or when the arm is out straight. Repeated movements such as
DIY or computer mouse work can often cause aggravation.
The outside of your elbow may be very tender to touch and you may notice some pain
travelling down the forearm.

Why does it occur?

The exact cause of lateral epicondylitis is unknown. Most people do not play tennis!
It may happen as a result of a sporting injury, or from repetitive wrist and hand movements
in work, e.g. keyboard work; but sometimes it occurs for no apparent reason.
However, it is thought to be an overuse problem and this relates both to how long and how
hard the muscles are worked.

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What can I do to help ease the symptoms?

Although tennis elbow often sounds like a trivial problem it is also very painful and can
make life quite difficult. The most important thing to remember is this is a self-limiting
condition, which means that it will get better on its own eventually. How long this takes is
extremely variable and can range from a few months to several years! 80% of people are
better within 1 year. The trick is to find ways of keeping the symptoms under control until it
gets better. There are lots of things you can do.

Tips:
REST. Resting the elbow between bouts of activity or by stopping sport for a few
weeks can make a big difference.
Be aware of the amount of force that you use to grip things. Try and use the minimum
amount of force to maintain contact.
Never lift anything with the back of your hand showing; try to pick up palm up
Altering the grip size on objects you use may also have some beneficial effect. Often
enlarging the grip helps, and reducing the weight of rackets/tools etc. is useful.
If you are involved in a sport or hobby using repetitive movements, seek expert advice
on your technique. A chartered physiotherapist may be able to give you advice on your
movement patterns as well as appropriate stretching and progressive strengthening
exercises.
If you are involved in a profession using repetitive movements such as keyboard or
mouse work, or a profession requiring repetitive manual handling activities have a look
at your workstation and work activities. A chartered occupational health physiotherapist
would be able to advise and may visit you at work to help reduce these problems.
Ice cube massage - apply oil to the tender area first to protect the skin and then
massage with a wet ice cube for up to 10 minutes.
Anti-inflammatory cream: apply over the tender area. This is available from the chemist
without a prescription, but check you have no allergies or conditions that may be
affected.
Using a splint or brace may be helpful if the
pain is very severe. There are many available
but most physiotherapists recommend a
counter-force brace (see right), which aims to
decrease the tension on the tendon. Place the
brace just below the painful area (i.e.2 to 3
finger widths below the bony part of the elbow).
Wear it when you are using your arm and take
it off at night/resting.

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Tennis elbow

Experiment with the brace in slightly different places if it is going to work it normally
makes an immediate difference. The best test for the ideal position is the gripping
action.
You can obtain the splints from many sources including the NHS orthotics department
(ask your specialist), or over the telephone (e.g. Medistox Ltd, 01254 267400), and on
the internet (e.g., www.physiosupplies.com (epicondylitis clasp), www.amazon.co.uk),
or some large chemists will obtain one for you.

What are your other treatment options?

This graph is based on 3 big studies of the treatment of tennis elbow comparing wait and
see with physiotherapy with cortisone injections. The graph shows that, for most people,
the pain of tennis elbow has almost gone within 12 months of first symptoms. The addition
of physiotherapy tends to improve symptoms. The use of cortisone injections, soon after
the onset of symptoms, causes a drastic improvement in pain for a while but 6 and 12
months later the pain rebounds and is worse than for those people who did not have
cortisone injections.
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory tablets: available from your pharmacist or prescribed by
your GP.
Physiotherapy this may include treatments to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and scar
tissue, mobilise surrounding joints and nerves and exercise programmes to re-strengthen
the muscles.
The physiotherapist may use a combination of manual techniques, using their hands, and
electrotherapy treatments, such as ultrasound.

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Tennis elbow

Thorough assessment of your arm, advice on possible aggravating factors and how to
reduce them, and exercises are important aspects of treatment and should remain part of
your overall rehabilitation programme.
Acupuncture some people find this to be a miracle cure, others find it makes no
difference at all. You will not know whether it will work for you until you try it. You should
know within 2 to 3 sessions if it is going to help. Many physiotherapists offer acupuncture
as part of their conservative treatment approach to tennis elbow.
Injection this is usually local anaesthetic and steroid (cortisone). Although it can be a
painful procedure, injection can have a good effect. Research now suggests that cortisone
injections, while helpful for a while, can make the pain come back worse than ever
(rebound pain). They are therefore usually reserved for people with tennis elbow which
isnt improving with other simpler methods. Doctors will generally not want to give more
than 3-5 injections in a year, and if your symptoms keep returning, other treatment
methods would be suggested. The injections may make the skin at the injection site go
pale and thin.
PRP injection this is an experimental technique of injecting a selected portion of your
own blood back (a concentrated version of the naturally circulating healing factors) into the
painful bit of the elbow. These injections have been proven to be effective in some studies.
Operation This is usually a last resort and is reserved for people who have persistently
painful symptoms despite trying all other treatments.

Operation: tennis elbow release

Most people are given a full general anaesthetic (i.e. you will be asleep) although it can be
done by numbing the whole arm. The operation can be performed open (with a cut on the
side of the elbow) or arthroscopically (keyhole). The area of tendon responsible for
persisting pain is identified and released from its attachment to bone. When the procedure
is performed arthroscopically any other problems inside the elbow can be addressed at the
same time. The choice between having it done open or keyhole can be discussed with
your surgeon.

What are the risks?

All operations involve an element of risk. We do not wish to over-emphasise them but feel
that you should be aware of them before and after your operation.
Generally, this is a very safe but not particularly reliable operation. Only about two-thirds of
people are really pleased with the outcome, the rest are no better but seldom worse than
before.
The risks include:
a)

Anaesthetic complications such as nausea and sickness, or rarely cardiac, respiratory

or neurological (less than 1% each, i.e. less than one person out of one hundred).

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b)

Infection. This is usually a superficial wound problem. Occasionally deep infection

may occur many months after the operation (rare; less than 1%).

c)

Pain and stiffness in the elbow. Up to 35% of patients will still have symptoms after
the operation.

d)

Revision. A need to re-do the surgery is uncommon (less than 10%).

e)

Nerve and blood vessel injury around the elbow (rare; less than 1%).

Please discuss these issues with the doctors if you would like further information.

What are the alternatives?

Probably you have tried most of the alternative solutions for your elbow pain before
considering surgery. Not all options are appropriate for all people.
If the range of non-operative treatments have not worked then you may choose to live with
the condition rather than have the operation. In most people the painful symptoms will
eventually disappear within 2 years of starting.

Questions that we are often asked about the operation

Will it be painful?
Please purchase packets of tablets such as paracetamol (painkillers) and antiinflammatories (e.g. nurofen, ibuprofen, diclofenac) before coming into hospital.
During the operation local anaesthetic will be put around the elbow wound to help
reduce the pain.
Be prepared to take your tablets as soon as you start to feel pain.
If needed take the tablets regularly for the first 2 weeks and after this time only as
required.
If stronger tablets are required or if you know you cannot take paracetamol or antiinflammatories talk to your GP.
The use of ice packs or heat may also help relieve pain in your elbow.
The amount of pain you will experience will vary and each person is different.
Therefore take whatever pain relief you need.
Do I need to wear a sling?
Yes, you will be given a sling before you go home. You can take it on and off as you wish
although resting the elbow for 6 weeks after the operation is an important part of the
treatment.

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Tennis elbow

When can I go home?

Often you can go home the same day.
Do I need to do exercises?
You will be shown exercises by the physiotherapist and you will need to continue with the
exercises once you go home. To get you started do the exercises at the end of this leaflet
they will stop your elbow getting stiff and will be progressed by the physiotherapist
responsible for your post-operative rehabilitation.
What do I do about the wound?
You will have one long dissolving stitch which does not need to be removed. The two
ends, which look like fine fishing line, will fall off naturally after a couple of weeks. If you
have had arthroscopic surgery (keyhole) there will be no stitches to worry about.
Unwind the bulky bandage 48 hours after the operation but leave on the dressing covering
the wound for 14 days. Put on the tubigrip dressing to apply gentle compression during the
day.
Keep the wound dry until it is healed, which is normally within 14 days. You must keep it
covered when showering or bathing for the first 2 weeks.
When do I return to the outpatient clinic?
This is usually arranged for 3 to 6 weeks after your operation to check on your progress.
Please discuss any queries or worries you may have when you are at the clinic. Further
clinic appointments are made after this as necessary.
Are there things that I should avoid?
Yes, you must avoid heavy, strenuous and repetitive tasks for 6 weeks after the operation.
However do not be frightened to start moving the elbow and in particular remember to
keep stretching the elbow out straight several times a day from as soon as you get home.
Gradually the movements will become less painful.
How am I likely to progress?
It is important to recognise that improvement is slow and that this is not a quick fix
operation. By 3 weeks after operation you will not have noticed much improvement and it
is common for people to wonder whether they made the right decision about having the
operation done. However you should have recovered nearly full movement. By 3 months
after operation most people are delighted and have noticed a great improvement in their
symptoms. Everything continues to improve slowly and by 9 to 12 months after the
operation your elbow should be really good.

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When can I drive?

You can drive as soon as you feel able to comfortably control the vehicle when you are not
wearing a sling. This is normally about 3 weeks. It is advisable to start with short journeys.
When can I return to work?
This will depend on the type of work you do. Most people return within a month of the
operation but if your job involves heavy lifting or sustained overhead arm movement you
may require a longer period of rehabilitation.
Please discuss your return to work with your physiotherapist to ensure any potential
aggravating factors, that you may have identified before your operation, e.g.
keyboard/mouse use or manual handling activities, are addressed.
A visit to your workplace by a chartered occupational health physiotherapist is often
helpful.
When can I participate in my leisure activities?
Your ability to start these activities will be dependent on pain, range of movement and
strength that you have in your elbow. You must avoid heavy, strenuous and repetitive
tasks for 6 weeks after the operation. It is best to start with short sessions involving little
effort and then gradually increase the effort or time for the activity. However, be aware that
sustained or powerful overhead movements (e.g. trimming a hedge, some DIY, racket
sports etc) will put stress on the elbow and may take longer to become comfortable.

Exercises
Use painkillers and/or ice packs to reduce the pain before you exercise.
It is normal for you to feel aching, discomfort or stretching sensations when doing these
exercises. However, if you experience intense and lasting pain (e.g. more than 30
minutes) reduce the exercises by doing them less forcefully or less often. If this does
not help, discuss the problem with the physiotherapist.
Certain exercises may be changed or added specifically for your elbow.
Do short frequent sessions (e.g. 5-10 minutes, 4 times a day) rather than one long
session.
Gradually increase the number of repetitions you do. Aim for the repetitions that your
therapist advises, the numbers stated here are rough guidelines.
The exercises can be done standing, sitting or lying down

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Straightening your elbow

4 times a day
Let your arm relax down straight.
Repeat 5 times.

Rotating/twisting
4 times a day
Rest your forearm on a flat surface.
Try and turn your palm up towards the ceiling.
Then turn palm down.
Do not lift the elbow off the table.
Repeat each movement 5 times.

Wrist exercises
4 times a day
Keep your arm in the sling or rest your forearm on a flat
surface.
Keeping your forearm still, move your hand up and down,
bending at the wrist.
Do this with your fingers straight and then with them bent (i.e.
with fingers straight and curled).
Repeat each 5 times.

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This leaflet is not a substitute for professional medical care and should be used in
association with treatment at your hospital. Individual variations requiring specific
instructions not mentioned here might be required. It was compiled by Mr Harry Brownlow
(Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon), Jenny Collis, Emma Lean and Catherine Anderson
(Specialist Physiotherapists) in and is based on the information sheet produced by Jane
Moser (Superintendent Physiotherapist) and Professor Andrew Carr (Consultant
Orthopaedic Surgeon) at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford.

Contact details
Mr Brownlows secretary
Department of Orthopaedics
Royal Berkshire Hospital
London Road
Reading RG1 5AN

Tel: 0118 322 8191

Fax: 0118 322 8908

Useful links
www.orthogate.org/patient-education/elbow/lateral-epicondylitis-tennis-elbow.html
BUPA information on Tennis Elbow
(http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/Tennis_elbow.html)

NHS resource on Tennis Elbow

(www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Tennis-elbow/Pages/Introduction.aspx)

Arthritis Research Campaign information

(www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis_information/arthritis_types__symptoms/tennis_elbow.aspx#non)

GP notebook http://www.gpnotebook.co.uk/simplepage.cfm?ID=-174456818

Contacting us
If you have any concerns or problems following your discharge, you can contact the ward
for general advice by telephoning:
Chesterman Ward 0118 322 8847

Adult Day Surgery Unit 0118 322 7622

Heygroves Ward 0118 322 7544

Pre-op Assessment 0118 322 6546

Trueta Ward 0118 322 7541

For more information about the Trust visit our website www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk
Pictures reproduced courtesy of Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre.

Department of Surgery, September 2011

Review due: September 2013

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