Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, doesn't only affect tennis players — it got its name because the 'backswing' motion in tennis commonly triggers this condition. In fact, more than 95% of tennis elbow patients are not tennis players but ordinary people. Tennis elbow most commonly occurs at the origin of the wrist extensor muscles on the lateral epicondyle, particularly the extensor carpi radialis brevis. Anyone who uses their arm repetitively or applies excessive force can develop this common condition. Today, we'll explain how to self-diagnose tennis elbow.
How to self-diagnose tennis elbow
If pressing firmly on the bony prominence on the outer side of the elbow with your fingertip causes pain, you should suspect tennis elbow. For a more definitive self-test, fully extend the affected elbow, fix the wrist with the other hand, and try bending the wrist backward — if this causes elbow pain, tennis elbow is likely. - When epicondylitis develops, pain starting from the inner or outer epicondyle of the elbow radiates down the forearm. - Most cases progress gradually, making it difficult to identify exactly when it started. However, some cases begin acutely with a relatively clear injury history. - Pain ranges from mild to severe enough to disrupt sleep, and in severe cases, daily activities like washing and eating become difficult. In early stages, wearing an elbow brace to rest the area, applying cold compresses, and avoiding any activities that trigger symptoms are important. Anti-inflammatory medication, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, electrical stimulation, and heat therapy can also help with tennis elbow treatment. The most important element of treatment is 4-6 weeks of adequate elbow rest.
Acute tennis elbow: Treatment typically requires 4-6 weeks depending on severity. The anti-inflammatory phase is the most critical stage, lasting 3-4 weeks. Physical therapy, manual therapy, taping, and other modalities may be used as appropriate. Injection therapy may also be considered — prolotherapy for ligament strengthening or, in some cases, steroid injections. Chronic tennis elbow: Treatment may require several months depending on the tendon and ligament condition. When one joint or tendon is damaged and cannot function properly, the strain shifts to other areas, gradually causing pain in multiple locations. For chronic cases, accurately diagnosing and treating all affected areas is crucial. Weekly or bi-weekly injection therapy may be needed for nutrient supply, relaxation, and recovery of ligaments and muscles. If non-surgical treatment for several months shows no improvement, bone marrow stimulation regeneration therapy should be considered to accelerate tendon repair. If you experience unexplained elbow pain, try the self-diagnosis test first to determine whether it's simple muscle soreness or a condition, then visit a hospital for more accurate testing and diagnosis — this can prevent progression to a point where surgery becomes necessary.
