Tennis elbow

Das Bild zeigt einen Mann beim Obstpflücken im Garten, der eine Ellenbogenbandage von Bauerfeind trägt. Die EpiTrain unterstützt bei Tennisellenbogen-Beschwerden im Alltag und kann Schmerzen lindern.

How does it develop and how is it treated?

If pain is felt in the outer elbow during specific movements or even at rest, this could be an indication of tennis elbow. This type of tendinitis develops as a result of sustained excessive strain on the muscle insertions of the humerus. Although it can cause severe problems, tennis elbow generally responds well to conservative treatment, meaning that surgery is only necessary in rare cases. It is important, however, that the condition is detected early so that countermeasures can be introduced to prevent damage to the affected tissue.

Dargestellt ist ein Mann in sportlicher Kleidung, der seinen schmerzenden Ellenbogen hält. Erfahre, woher Beschwerden im Ellenbogen kommen und was dagegen hilft.

Tennis elbow (epicondylitis lateralis humeri) generally affects the tendon attachments of the muscles that stretch the wrist and fingers. They are located on the strong bony protrusion (epicondyle) on the outer elbow end of the humerus, and extend to the back of the hand. Tennis elbow is always caused by sustained excessive strain on these extensor muscles, which initially leads to painful tension (hypertonia). This ongoing tension causes a constant force that is applied to the insertion zone of the muscles. The permanent traction on the muscle insertion also reduces circulation, thus preventing the insertions from being supplied with nutrients. If the strenuous activity is continued, minute injuries (microlesions) develop.

However, this happens not only through exercise, as is commonly assumed. Continuous strain at work and as part of everyday activities can also lead to tennis elbow. For example, the following activities are often associated with the development of tennis elbow:

heavy lifting,
using heavy tools on a daily basis,
monotonous movements carried out repetitively over several hours, or
working at a computer and using a mouse

If the early warning signs are ignored, the symptoms will deteriorate to such an extent that even simple, everyday activities trigger pain. If left untreated, tennis elbow can then also lead to irreversible, pathological changes to the muscle insertion area, painful calcium deposits and even muscle ruptures. That is why those affected should begin treatment at the first sign of tennis elbow.

Darstellung der Anatomie des Ellenbogens mit einer vorliegenden Tennisellenbogenerkrankung.

Pain that is often localized to the outer elbow is a typical indication of tennis elbow. This primarily occurs when stretching the wrist or extending the fingers, for instance when lifting a hand that is resting on a table. Lifting the middle finger against resistance also triggers the pain. Muscles can also swell as a result of inflammation, and the skin covering it can become red and warm. The affected area will become painful when subjected to pressure and tense muscles are palpable on the extensor side of the forearm. In most cases, these common symptoms are enough to make the diagnosis of tennis elbow. More in-depth examinations are usually only necessary to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

In most cases, surgery is not necessary to treat tennis elbow. In fact, the focus is on relieving the affected muscle insertions so they can recover and regenerate. The main principle when it comes to treatment is to reduce traction on the muscle insertion. Those affected must therefore avoid the activity that triggers the pain for several weeks.

Complete immobilization of the elbow or wrist, however, is not necessary. On the contrary: active movement of the affected arm supports the healing process, as it encourages circulation and lymphatic drainage. A second important element of treatment is fighting inflammation which, if left untreated, can lead to pathological tissue remodeling and scarring of the tendon insertion. In more than 90 percent of cases, non-surgical (conservative) treatment is successful. The following measures have proven effective as methods for treating tennis elbow:

Cooling the affected area (cold wraps, cold air or short-term use of ice packs)
Using anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving ointments or painkillers
Doing stretching exercises under physiotherapeutic guidance to reduce muscle tension
Learning a home exercise program
Using orthoses and supports to reduce muscle traction on the insertion and to alleviate the pain that is typical of tennis elbow

Auf dem Bild ist ein Mann zu sehen, der im Garten Obst pflückt und dabei eine Bauerfeind Ellenbogenbandage trägt. Die EpiTrain bietet Unterstützung bei Tennisellenbogen-Beschwerden im Alltag und kann dazu beitragen, Schmerzen zu lindern.

Surgery for tennis elbow is only considered if

conservative treatment has not been successful
the condition recurs repeatedly (relapses) or
the condition is already very advanced

During surgery, a transverse or longitudinal incision into the tendon (tenotomy) is made to reduce muscle traction. In another procedure, the surgeon separates the nerve plexus in the affected area (denervation) to disrupt the continuous pain stimulus. The two procedures can also be combined.

The important treatment principles – reducing tension at the muscle attachment and fighting inflammation – are also achieved by so-called tennis elbow orthoses such as the EpiPoint. The integrated pads (anatomically shaped cushions with nubbed zones) apply gentle pressure directly to the affected area. This form of controlled compression reduces muscle traction and counteracts swelling without limiting freedom of movement, noticeably alleviating pain. The breathable material used for the EpiPoint also allows air to circulate freely, which prevents heat from building up. The pressure from the pads can also be adjusted continuously as desired, allowing the orthosis to provide the perfect combination of wearing comfort and compression. In this way, the EpiPoint perfectly supports medical and physiotherapy measures, and allows the irritated muscle insertions to regenerate and heal.

EpiPoint®

Pain-relieving epicondylitis brace for irritated tendon insertions

EpiPoint can be positioned either on the right or left arm using an elastic Velcro fastening. A five-point pad stimulates the painful tendon insertion on the inner or outer side of your elbow.

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