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टेनिस कोहनी

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) — causes, symptoms, and conservative treatment options for pain relief.

Updated Sep 2026
टेनिस बैकहैंड खेलते हुए एक चेहराहीन व्यक्ति का हाथ से तैयार किया गया चित्रण।
टेनिस कोहनी: ऐसी चिड़चिड़ापन, जहां अग्रहस्त की टेंडन बाहरी कोहनी से जुड़ी होती हैं। Kieran Hirpara 4.0

यह पृष्ठ मशीन द्वारा अनूदित है और अभी तक किसी चिकित्सक द्वारा जाँचा नहीं गया है। अंग्रेज़ी संस्करण ही आधिकारिक है।

आप क्या महसूस कर रहे हैं

टेनिस कोहनी आपकी कोहनी के बाहरी हिस्से में दर्द है, उस अस्थि बिंदु पर जहां आपके अग्रहस्त की मांसपेशियां जुड़ती हैं। यह तब होता है जब वहां की कण्डिका पहनी और चिड़चिड़ी हो जाती है। यह 35 से 65 वर्ष की आयु के बीच सबसे आम है और यह लगभग 3% लोगों को प्रभावित करता है।

जब आप पकड़ते हैं, उठाते हैं या मोड़ते हैं तो दर्द बढ़ जाता है। दरवाजे के हैंडल को मोड़ना, कॉफी का कप पकड़ना, पानी भरना या शॉपिंग बैग उठाना सभी इसे शुरू कर सकते हैं। आपकी कोहनी के बाहर दबाए जाने पर आमतौर पर कोमलता महसूस होगी। अपनी कलाई या उंगलियों को प्रतिरोध के खिलाफ सीधा करना, जैसे कि अपनी हथेली को नीचे की ओर करके उठाना, अक्सर दर्द को भी लाता है।

यह दर्द गतिविधि के बाद तेज हो जाता है, और यह रात में या सुबह पहली बात में दर्द हो सकता है। सप्ताहों में यह दैनिक जीवन में फैल सकता है। कुछ लोगों को लगता है कि दर्द के कारण काम और सामाजिक गतिविधियां सीमित हो जाती हैं। टेनिस कोहनी वाले लगभग 20% लोगों को इतना दर्द होता है कि यह उनके काम और दैनिक जीवन को सीमित कर देता है।

अच्छी खबर यह है कि टेनिस कोहनी आमतौर पर अपने आप ठीक हो जाती है। लक्षण अक्सर तीन से चार महीनों में धीरे-धीरे कम हो जाते हैं, और ज्यादातर मामले 6 महीने तक ठीक हो जाते हैं चाहे कोई भी उपचार किया जाए। बिना उपचार के टेनिस कोहनी वाले लगभग 90% लोगों को उनके लक्षण 1 वर्ष के भीतर ठीक हो जाते हैं। यहां तक कि अगर आपको लंबे समय से दर्द हो रहा है, तो अगले वर्ष में ठीक होने की आपकी संभावना लगभग समान रहती है।

चूंकि यह आमतौर पर अपने आप ठीक हो जाता है, इसलिए अधिकांश लोगों को सर्जरी की आवश्यकता नहीं होती है। सर्जरी आमतौर पर उन लोगों के छोटे प्रतिशत के लिए आरक्षित होती है जिनके दर्द में अन्य उपचारों से सुधार नहीं होता है।

वास्तव में क्या हो रहा है

दर्द का स्थान एक टेंडन है जिसे एक्सटेंसर कार्पी रेडियल ब्रेविस कहा जाता है। यह आपकी कलाई और उंगली की मांसपेशियों को आपकी कोहनी के बाहर की हड्डी से जोड़ता है। इसे एक रस्सी के रूप में सोचें जो एक पाल को एक मस्तूल पर लंगर डालती है। हर पकड़, उठाने और मोड़ उस रस्सी को खींचता है।

बार-बार तनाव के साथ, रस्सी पहनने लगती है। शरीर की सामान्य मरम्मत प्रक्रिया नहीं चलती, इसलिए कंधे के रेशे मजबूत और पंक्तिबद्ध होने के बजाय अव्यवस्थित हो जाते हैं। यह सूजन या सूजन का प्रकोप नहीं है, यद्यपि "एपिकॉन्डिलिटिस" नाम से ऐसा लगता है। यह एक थकान की समस्या है, जो जले हुए रस्सी की तुलना में फटी रस्सी की तरह है, और यही कारण है कि जब आप अपने हाथ का उपयोग करते हैं तो दर्द वापस आता रहता है।

जब आपकी कोहनी सीधी होती है और आपकी हथेली नीचे की ओर मुड़ी होती है तो यह भार बढ़ जाता है। यह उन आंदोलनों से मेल खाता है जो आपको चोट पहुंचाते हैं: पकड़ना, हाथ की हथेली के साथ नीचे उठाना, एक हैंडल को मोड़ना। आपकी कोहनी की अंतरिक्ष में अपनी स्थिति की अनुभूति भी कम सटीक हो सकती है, और जब आप पकड़ते हैं तो कोहनी के पीछे की छोटी मांसपेशी ठीक से चालू नहीं होती है। यही कारण है कि समस्या केवल कंधे के बारे में नहीं है। अपनी गर्दन, कंधे और पूरे हाथ की देखभाल करना भी महत्वपूर्ण है, न कि केवल कोहनी की।

यदि दर्द लंबे समय तक रहता है और फिर आप कोहनी को फिर से चोट पहुंचाते हैं, तो पास का एक लिगामेंट जो जोड़ को स्थिर करता है, भी तनावग्रस्त हो सकता है। इससे कोहनी अस्थिर महसूस करने के साथ-साथ दर्द भी हो सकता है, और यही एक कारण है कि कुछ कोहनी साधारण उपचार से ठीक नहीं होती हैं।

हम इसके बारे में क्या कर सकते हैं

मैटर प्राइवेट हॉस्पिटल रॉकहैम्पटन में ऊपरी अंगों के सर्जन डॉ. किरण हिरपारा, आपकी स्थिति के अनुरूप कम से कम आक्रामक विकल्पों से शुरू करते हैं। मरीजों को आम तौर पर उनके जीपी द्वारा हमारे क्लिनिक में भेजा जाता है; यदि एक फिजियोथेरेपिस्ट ने सुझाव दिया है कि आप हमें देखें, तो आपको मेडिकेयर छूट के लिए पात्र होने के लिए अपने जीपी से एक रेफरल की आवश्यकता होगी। आपकी पहली यात्रा पर हम एक इतिहास लेते हैं, आपकी कोहनी की जांच करते हैं और यदि आवश्यक हो तो इमेजिंग की व्यवस्था करते हैं।

अधिकांश टेनिस कोहनी बिना सर्जरी के ठीक हो जाती है, इसलिए हम आमतौर पर गैर-ऑपरेटिव देखभाल के साथ शुरू करते हैं। आप काम पर और घर पर पकड़ने, उठाने और मोड़ने के तरीके को बदलकर कंधे पर बोझ को कम कर सकते हैं। फिजियोथेरेपी का उद्देश्य दर्द को कम करना और आपकी कलाई और हाथ में ताकत बहाल करना है। इसे कई महीनों तक निष्पक्ष रूप से चलाएं। ठीक होने की संभावना पहले वर्ष में लगभग समान रहती है, भले ही दर्द लंबे समय से हो रहा हो।

दर्द की गोलियां और विरोधी भड़काऊ दवाएं किनारे को दूर कर सकती हैं, हालांकि वे जो राहत देते हैं वह छोटी होती है और वे दुष्प्रभाव पैदा कर सकती हैं। इंजेक्शन एक विकल्प है जिस पर हम चर्चा कर सकते हैं। कोर्टीसोन अल्पावधि में दर्द को कम कर सकता है। हयालूरोनिक एसिड एक स्नेहक द्रव है जो कंधे के चारों ओर इंजेक्ट किया जाता है। प्लेटलेट-समृद्ध प्लाज्मा आपके स्वयं के रक्त के एक नमूने का उपयोग करता है, उपचार कोशिकाओं को केंद्रित करने के लिए संसाधित किया जाता है, और कंधे में इंजेक्ट किया जाता है। हम चर्चा करेंगे कि प्रत्येक में क्या शामिल है और यह तय करने से पहले कि कोई प्रभाव कितने समय तक रह सकता है कि क्या यह आपके लिए उपयुक्त है।

सर्जरी तब चर्चा में आती है जब इन उपचारों ने आपको पर्याप्त सुधार नहीं दिया है और दर्द अभी भी आपके काम या दैनिक जीवन को सीमित कर रहा है। ऑपरेशन आपके कोहनी के बाहर की हड्डी से जुड़ने वाले कंधे के पहने हुए, फटे हुए हिस्से को साफ करता है। हम इसे एक साझा निर्णय मानते हैं, एक बार जब आप समझ जाते हैं कि इसमें क्या शामिल है और यह आपके लिए क्या कर सकता है और क्या नहीं कर सकता है।

क्या उम्मीद करें

टेनिस कोहनी के लिए दृष्टिकोण ज्यादातर अच्छा है, और आप पहले से ही संख्याओं को पढ़ चुके हैंः अधिकांश कोहनी एक वर्ष के भीतर बस जाती हैं, जो भी उपचार का उपयोग किया जाता है। दर्द रातोंरात गायब होने के बजाय धीरे-धीरे फीका पड़ जाता है। सप्ताहों और महीनों के दौरान आपको ध्यान देना चाहिए कि फ्लेयर-अप कम और हल्का हो जाता है, और रोजमर्रा की पकड़ जैसे कि केतली पकड़ना या हैंडल को मोड़ना आसान हो जाता है। लंबे समय तक दर्द महसूस करने से आपके ठीक होने की संभावनाएं खराब नहीं होती हैं।

यदि आपकी कोहनी सरल उपचारों से ठीक नहीं होती है, तो सर्जरी अभी भी एक उचित रास्ता है। लंबे समय से टेनिस कोहनी के लिए कुछ प्रक्रियाएं 75% से 80% की सफलता दर की रिपोर्ट करती हैं।

यह जानने लायक है कि सर्जरी एक गारंटीकृत समाधान नहीं है। थोड़ी संख्या में लोगों को, लगभग 1.5%, बाद में एक और ऑपरेशन की आवश्यकता होती है। सर्जरी से पहले तीन या अधिक इंजेक्शन लेने से ऐसा होने की संभावना अधिक होती है। किसी भी ऑपरेशन के साथ, संक्रमण या कठोरता जैसे सामान्य जोखिम होते हैं, और कुछ प्रक्रियाएं कोहनी को पहले की तुलना में थोड़ा अधिक कठोर छोड़ सकती हैं।

तो ईमानदार चित्र यह है: आपकी कोहनी अपने आप ठीक हो जाएगी या फिजियोथेरेपी के साथ और आपके हाथ के उपयोग में समझदार बदलाव के साथ। यदि ऐसा नहीं होता है, तो सर्जरी ज्यादातर लोगों की मदद करती है जो उस बिंदु तक पहुंचते हैं, लेकिन हर कोई नहीं।

किसी से कब मिलना है

अधिकांश टेनिस कोहनी अपने आप ठीक हो जाती है, इसलिए समय आमतौर पर मुख्य उपचार होता है। यदि आपकी कोहनी के बाहर का दर्द 6 सप्ताह से अधिक समय तक रहता है, या यह आपको काम करने या सोने से रोकता है, तो अपने चिकित्सक से परामर्श करें। यदि कई महीनों तक सरल उपचार और फिजियोथेरेपी से मदद नहीं मिली है, या यदि आपकी कोहनी अस्थिर और दर्दनाक महसूस करती है, तो एक विशेषज्ञ की समीक्षा के लिए पूछें, क्योंकि तनावग्रस्त लिगामेंट कभी-कभी समस्या का हिस्सा हो सकता है। अपने जीपी को बताएं कि आपको कितने इंजेक्शन दिए गए हैं, क्योंकि किसी भी ऑपरेशन से पहले तीन या अधिक स्टेरॉयड इंजेक्शन बाद में आगे की सर्जरी की संभावना को बढ़ाते हैं। यदि आपको दर्द के साथ गर्मी, लाली या बुखार महसूस होता है, तो इसके कम होने की प्रतीक्षा करने के बजाय तुरंत अपने चिकित्सक से मिलें।

अधिक गहराई से

यह अनुभाग आपके स्वयं के उपचार निर्णयों के लिए आवश्यक से अधिक है। टेनिस कोहनी अतिरिक्त पढ़ने के लायक है क्योंकि यह उन स्थितियों में से एक है जहां उपचार जो पहले महीने में सबसे प्रभावी लगता है वह है जो वर्ष के अंत तक सबसे खराब काम करता है।

यह स्थिति प्रायः स्वयं ही ठीक हो जाती है, धीरे धीरे

अकेला छोड़ दिया, टेनिस कोहनी बैठता है. नीचे चर्चा किए गए परीक्षण में, बस प्रतीक्षा करें और देखें, कोई इंजेक्शन, कोई फिजियोथेरेपी के लिए यादृच्छिक समूह, 52 सप्ताह में फिर से मूल्यांकन किया गया था, और 62 में से 56 (90%) खुद को या तो बहुत सुधार या पूरी तरह से बरामद [1].

यह आंकड़ा हर उपचार को मापने के लिए मानक है। एक हस्तक्षेप केवल अगर यह अपने दम पर बेहतर हो रही है के लायक है, और अपने दम पर बेहतर हो रही है आमतौर पर क्या होता है.

कॉर्टिकोस्टेरॉइड विरोधाभास

एक मील का पत्थर यादृच्छिक परीक्षण कॉर्टिकोस्टेरॉइड इंजेक्शन, फिजियोथेरेपी, और बस इंतजार की तुलना में, लोगों के बाद एक पूरे साल के लिए [1].

छह सप्ताह में इंजेक्शन बहुत अच्छा लग रहा था। सफलता की सूचना 65 में से 51 (78%) इंजेक्शन समूह के खिलाफ 60 में से 16 (27%) प्रतीक्षा कर रहे लोगों में से, 2 का इलाज करने के लिए आवश्यक संख्या [1].

फिर यह उल्टा हो गया। उन शुरुआती सफलताओं में से, 65 में से 47 (72%) बाद में गिरावट आई। 52 सप्ताह तक इंजेक्शन देने वाले समूह में हर परिणाम पर फिजियोथेरेपी करने वाले समूह की तुलना में काफी बुरा था, और उन लोगों की तुलना में भी बुरा था जिन्होंने कुछ नहीं तीन प्राथमिक उपायों में से दो पर [1].

लेखकों के स्वयं के स्पष्टीकरण को दोहराने लायक हैः इंजेक्शन दर्द को इतनी जल्दी कम करता है कि लोग एक नस को फिर से लोड करना शुरू कर देते हैं जो वास्तव में ठीक नहीं हुआ है। परीक्षण का निष्कर्ष यह था कि टेनिस कोहनी में कॉर्टिकोस्टेरॉइड का "सावधानी के साथ उपयोग किया जाना चाहिए", जो कि उपचार के बारे में कहने के लिए एक हड़ताली बात है जो अधिकांश लोग पेश किए जाने की उम्मीद करते हैं।

यही कारण है कि यहां एक इंजेक्शन अल्पकालिक कार्य के बारे में एक विचारशील निर्णय है, एक डिफ़ॉल्ट नहीं है, और यह लोडिंग कार्यक्रम का विकल्प क्यों नहीं है।

तो क्या करने लायक है

फिजियोथेरेपी ने प्रत्येक उपाय पर छह सप्ताह की प्रतीक्षा को हराया, और 52 सप्ताह तक दोनों को अलग नहीं किया जा सकता था क्योंकि दोनों समूहों में लगभग सभी लोग ठीक हो गए थे [1]. इसलिए इसका मूल्य आपको कष्टप्रद महीनों के माध्यम से तेजी से प्राप्त करने में है, न कि गंतव्य को बदलने में। विशेष रूप से, फिजियोथेरेपी समूह ने भी रास्ते में कम अतिरिक्त उपचार की मांग की [1]. इसे देखते हुए, समझदार योजना भार प्रबंधन और एक प्रगतिशील टेंडन कार्यक्रम है, यह स्वीकार करते हुए कि समयरेखा को महीनों में मापा जाता है।

शल्यचिकित्सा उस अल्पसंख्यक के लिए आरक्षित है जो वास्तविक और लंबे समय तक गैर-ऑपरेटिव देखभाल के बाद भी विकलांग है। उच्च सीमा निर्धारित करने का कारण ठीक उपर्युक्त प्राकृतिक इतिहास है: जल्दी कार्य करें और आप एक ऐसी स्थिति के खिलाफ प्रतिस्पर्धा कर रहे हैं जो, दस में से नौ मामलों में, वैसे भी हल करने जा रही थी।

कल्चर की गई टेंडन-सेल इंजेक्शन

आपको स्वयंसेवी टेनोसाइट प्रत्यारोपण (एटीआई, जिसे ऑस्ट्रेलिया में ऑर्थोएटीआई के रूप में बेचा जाता है) की पेशकश की जा सकती है, या इसके बारे में पढ़ा जा सकता है, जो आपके स्वयं के प्रयोगशाला-उत्पन्न टेंडन कोशिकाओं का एक इंजेक्शन है। यह सुरक्षित है, यह जैविक रूप से समझदार है, और जिद्दी टेनिस कोहनी में रिपोर्ट किए गए परिणाम चार साल से अधिक समय तक चले हैं। विश्व साहित्य में इसे पांच अध्ययनों द्वारा भी समर्थित किया गया है, जिनमें 50 मरीज शामिल थे, जिनमें से एक में भी तुलनात्मक समूह नहीं था। उपरोक्त प्राकृतिक इतिहास और प्लेसबो-सर्जरी के परिणाम के साथ तुलना करें, और सावधानी का कारण स्पष्ट हो जाता है। वहाँ क्या है और संदर्भ के साथ ज्ञात नहीं है की एक पूरी खाता है, पर स्वायत्त टेनोसाइट प्रत्यारोपण पृष्ठ।

संदर्भ

[1] बिस्सेट एल, बेलर ई, जूल जी, ब्रूक्स पी, डार्नेल आर, विसेन्जिनो बी। आंदोलन और व्यायाम के साथ जुटाना, कॉर्टिकोस्टेरॉइड इंजेक्शन, या टेनिस कोहनी के लिए प्रतीक्षा करें और देखेंः यादृच्छिक परीक्षण। BMJ. 2006;333(7575):939. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.38961.584653.ae


Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

  • The term 'Tennis Elbow' is considered inaccurate by some authors [1].
  • The diagnosis of tennis elbow is often made too quickly [1].
  • Rapid diagnosis may contribute to high rates of recalcitrant complaints due to insufficient consideration of differential diagnoses [1].
  • Approximately 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieve symptom resolution at 1 year based on placebo or no-treatment control arms of randomized trials [3].
  • Pooled data from randomized controlled trials indicate a lack of intermediate- to long-term clinical benefit after nonsurgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis compared with observation only or placebo [4].
  • No single universally accepted protocol has emerged for the treatment of epicondylitis despite numerous available options [7].
  • Most patients with lateral epicondylitis resolve spontaneously or with standard conservative management [12].
  • Refractory cases of lateral epicondylitis may benefit from interventional therapies or surgical approaches [12].
  • Current research evidence suggests that surgery for tennis elbow is no more effective than nonsurgical treatment, based on evidence with significant methodological limitations [31].
  • There was insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of surgery for lateral elbow pain due to a small number of studies, large heterogeneity in interventions, small sample sizes, and poor reporting of outcomes [11].
  • Denervation of the elbow for management of tennis elbow is a simple safe procedure [16].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

Anatomy

  • The pathology of lateral epicondylitis is primarily localized to the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) [51].
  • The ECRB and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) have tendinous origins and lie deep to the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL), which has a muscular origin [51].
  • The common extensors lie superficial to the lateral collateral ligament complex proximally and to the supinator distally [51].
  • The ECRB tendon lies superficial to the joint capsule, making it accessible arthroscopically [51].
  • The posterior interosseous nerve enters the supinator distal to the radial head [51].
  • Compression of the posterior interosseous nerve at the radial tunnel can coexist with lateral epicondylitis [51].
  • The pathologic process mainly involves the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis but can involve the tendons of the extensor carpi radialis longus and the extensor digitorum communis [52].
  • The anatomic basis of the injury to the extensor carpi radialis brevis origin involves hypovascular zones, eccentric tendon stresses, and a microscopic degenerative response [25].

Pathophysiology

  • Lateral epicondylitis is initiated as a microtear, most often within the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis [52].
  • The current consensus is that lateral epicondylitis is a degenerative process rather than an inflammatory one [25].
  • Histologic studies of lateral epicondylitis show angiofibroblastic hyperplasia [51, 52].
  • Histologic findings include neovascularization, infiltration by mucopolysaccharide, a disordered collagen scaffold, bone formation, and angiofibroblastic proliferation [51].
  • Inflammation is not usually seen in lateral epicondylitis but is likely present in the early stages [51].
  • The lesion occurs in a vascular watershed area that is relatively avascular, limiting healing potential [51].
  • Eccentric contractions of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle during backhand tennis swings are the likely cause of repetitive microtrauma that causes tears in the tendon and lateral epicondylitis [35].
  • The presence of hypoechogenicity and bone changes on ultrasound indicates the presence of a stressed common extensor origin-lateral epicondyle complex in elbows with lateral epicondylalgia [5].
  • Repetitive exposure to bending and straightening the elbow is a significant risk factor for lateral epicondylitis [84].
  • There is a strong association between combined physical exertion and elbow movements and lateral epicondylitis [8].
  • Biomechanical exposure involving the wrist and/or elbow at work is associated with the incidence of lateral epicondylitis [57].

Classification

  • The term "Tennis Elbow" is considered inaccurate, and the diagnosis is often made too quickly, which may explain high rates of recalcitrant complaints due to insufficient consideration of differential diagnoses [1].
  • A considerable terminological heterogeneity exists in the description of lateral elbow pain, associated with a lack of clear and recognized diagnostic criteria [30].
  • Approximately 46.5% of patients presenting with lateral-sided elbow pain are diagnosed with a condition other than lateral epicondylitis [14].
  • The findings of an epidemiologic study are consistent with the hypothesis that tennis elbow is a degenerative disease, the onset of which is hastened by overuse of the arm and elbow [13].
  • Pathologic tissue studies have noted a failed reparative process rather than active inflammation in lateral epicondylitis [25].
  • The presence of hypoechogenicity and bone changes on musculoskeletal ultrasound indicates the presence of a stressed common extensor origin-lateral epicondyle complex in elbows with lateral epicondylalgia [5].
  • Accurate diagnosis of medial epicondylitis requires distinguishing it from other elbow conditions, and treatment is guided by the specific pathologic stage of the tendon [10].
  • The arthroscopic identification of three types of Baker lesions helps the surgeon confirm the presence of pathology commonly seen intra-articularly in patients with lateral epicondylitis [68].
  • Failed surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis is multifactorial, and distinguishing the cause is critical for appropriate management [15].

Clinical Presentation

  • The term 'Tennis Elbow' is considered inaccurate, and the diagnosis is often made too quickly, potentially explaining high rates of recalcitrant complaints due to insufficient consideration of differential diagnoses [1].
  • Lateral epicondylitis is a common, generally self-limiting tendinosis affecting patients aged 35 to 55 years [26].
  • The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that tennis elbow is a degenerative disease, the onset of which is hastened by overuse of the arm and elbow [13].
  • Almost half of the patients (46.5%) presenting with lateral sided elbow pain were diagnosed with a condition other than lateral epicondylitis [14].
  • A considerable terminological heterogeneity exists in the description of lateral elbow pain, associated with the lack of clear and recognised diagnostic criteria [30].
  • The diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis based on Japanese Orthopaedic Association guidelines requires pain in the elbow joint within 2 weeks, pain in the lateral epicondyle region on resisted extension of the wrist with the elbow extended, and tenderness in the lateral epicondyle [46].
  • Tenderness for the diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis is considered positive if observed in the lateral epicondyle or adjacent tissue up to 4 cm distal to the epicondyle and elicited by any degree of palpation [46].
  • Physical examination of the elbow should focus on functional anatomy and includes inspection, palpation, range of motion, strength, stability, and special tests [54].
  • The history is the most valuable tool to guide the clinical examination, with location, quality, context, duration, and severity of elbow pain being important for understanding pathology [54].
  • Determining the symptom trajectory (whether pain is getting better, worse, or remaining constant) is helpful when considering intervention [54].
  • Characteristic elements of the history for lateral elbow tendinopathy include pain lifting things from a bag with a pronated hand, turning doorknobs, taking milk from the fridge, shaking hands, taking a laptop out of a bag, and bumping the lateral elbow [54].
  • Physical examination maneuvers to elicit lateral elbow tendinopathy include direct palpation of the ECRB origin, the tennis elbow shear test, pain with resisted wrist or long finger extension, and the laptop test [54].
  • Imaging studies to evaluate lateral elbow tendinopathy include MRI if the lateral ulnar collateral ligament is suspected as part of the pathology and ultrasonography [54].

Investigations

Clinical Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis

  • The physical exam is directed by history and the location of the patient's pain in the anterior, posterior, medial, or lateral aspect of the elbow [49].

Imaging: Ultrasound

  • Ultrasonographic imaging of the elbow includes imaging techniques and the normal appearance of anatomic structures [44].

Imaging: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

  • The routine use of MRI for the diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis is low, although its use is associated with downstream effects [69].
  • Increased MRI signal in the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) origin is common in both symptomatic and asymptomatic elbows [70].
  • MRI can be used to evaluate ligaments and tendons of the elbow, but it is rarely indicated [45].
  • The reliability and validity of magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of chronic lateral epicondylitis has been evaluated [47].
  • Magnetic resonance evaluation of the elbow includes the review of ligament complexes [44].
  • A review of the MR appearance of osseous and soft-tissue anatomy of the elbow, as well as commonly encountered pathology including overuse injury, has been performed [44].

Imaging: Radiographs and CT

  • Plain radiographs remain the hallmark and the best screening test for the evaluation of the elbow [49].
  • Standard AP, lateral, and oblique radiographs are obtained for elbow evaluation, with serial radiography used as follow-up when heterotopic ossification is present [45].
  • CT is helpful when assessing for malunion architecture and the location and pattern of osteophytes and/or loose bodies [45].
  • Three-dimensional CT is used to check for heterotopic ossification [45].
  • CT is not necessary when elbow stiffness is entirely soft-tissue related [45].

Neurological Assessment

  • Electromyography/nerve conduction velocity studies should be performed if any question about neurologic dysfunction exists [45].
  • An assessment for ulnar nerve subluxation should be performed, as subluxation of the nerve is a relative contraindication for an arthroscopic procedure secondary to possible iatrogenic nerve injury [45].

Treatment

Non-Operative Management

  • Approximately 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieve symptom resolution at 1 year [3].
  • Lateral epicondylitis is usually self-limited, resolving over a 12- to 18-month period without treatment [33].
  • The probable best recommendation for treatment is oral analgesics for symptom relief, activity modification, and a plan of “waiting things out” for up to 18 months [42].
  • Corticosteroid injection has little, if any, benefit over placebo and usually does not change the natural history of the disease [42].
  • Recent data suggest that poorer results are seen in the intermediate and long term following corticosteroid injections relative to placebo [42].
  • Patients who undergo corticosteroid injection may actually be worse at the end of a year [42].
  • The significant short-term benefits of corticosteroid injection are paradoxically reversed after six weeks, with high recurrence rates [22].
  • Peri-articular hyaluronic acid treatment for tennis elbow was significantly better than control in improving pain at rest and after maximal grip testing [61].
  • Nonsurgical treatment is the mainstay of management for lateral epicondylitis, involving options such as rest, physical therapy, and injections [62].
  • Nonoperative treatment for epicondylitis has a success rate of up to 90% [66].
  • A high-repetition, low-resistance home exercise program may be useful for lateral epicondylitis [42].
  • There is wide variability of treatments offered when physiotherapy fails patients with tennis elbow [28].
  • Further investigations are needed on tendinopathies in other areas of the upper limb, including epicondylar tendinopathy [18].

Operative Management

  • There was insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of surgery for lateral elbow pain due to small number of studies, heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and poor reporting [11].
  • Greater than 90% of people with lateral epicondylitis are successfully treated nonoperatively [21].
  • Most surgical patients for lateral epicondylitis are in their fifth decade of life, have had symptoms for an average of 19 months, and have had failure of nonoperative treatment including an average of 3.1 corticosteroid injections [21].
  • The majority of patients undergoing surgery for lateral epicondylitis have surgery on their dominant elbow, with an average incidence of dominant arm involvement of 74% [21].
  • Outcomes between open and arthroscopic surgical procedures for lateral epicondylitis are comparable [42].
  • Arthroscopic treatment of lateral epicondylitis is accompanied by an increased risk of neurovascular injury and instability compared with open release of the elbow [42].
  • Good to excellent results have been achieved in 83% to 96% of patients using variations in technique for medial epicondylitis [42].
  • Poorer outcomes are reported in patients with ulnar nerve symptoms undergoing medial epicondylitis surgery [42].
  • Surgical intervention for refractory medial epicondylitis often has a high success rate with patients generally demonstrating an improvement in patient-reported outcomes and an encouraging number returning to work with limited complications [17].
  • The median time of minimum conservative management before surgery for lateral epicondylitis was six months [64].
  • Surgical intervention is reserved for patients with continued symptoms after 6 months or more of treatment [43].
  • There is no good algorithm for the type of surgical treatment that is most effective for lateral epicondylitis [21].
  • No single universally accepted protocol has emerged for the treatment of epicondylitis [7].

Complications

  • Corticosteroid injections have a short-term beneficial effect on lateral epicondylitis, but a negative effect in the intermediate term [32].
  • The significant short-term benefits of corticosteroid injection are reversed after six weeks, with high recurrence rates [22].
  • Heterotopic ossification has been reported as a complication following elbow arthroscopy for lateral epicondylitis [39].
  • Three or more preoperative injections is the most significant risk factor for revision surgery after operative treatment of lateral epicondylitis [71].
  • Short-term complication rates appear comparable between open and arthroscopic treatment of lateral epicondylitis [73].

Recovery

  • Lateral epicondylitis often resolves spontaneously, warranting considerable circumspection before embarking on treatment [19].
  • The prognosis for medial epicondylitis in occupational settings was good with a 3-year recovery rate at 81% [20].
  • Poor prognosis at 1 year of follow-up for lateral epicondylitis was related to manual work and high baseline pain [77].
  • No relation was found between the type of medical treatment given or chosen and prognosis for lateral epicondylitis at 1 year [77].
  • The annual incidence of lateral epicondylitis per 10,000 patients and the proportion of cases treated surgically remained constant from 2007 to 2014 [38].

Key Evidence

  • [Letter] The authors agree that the term 'Tennis Elbow' is inaccurate and that the diagnosis is often made too quickly, potentially explaining high rates of recalcitrant complaints due to insufficient consideration of differential diagnoses. [1] (10.1177/1758573218816086)
  • [L1] Based on the placebo or no-treatment control arms of randomized trials, about 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieve symptom resolution at 1 year. [3] (10.1097/corr.0000000000002058)
  • [L1] Pooled data from RCTs indicate a lack of intermediate- to long-term clinical benefit after nonsurgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis compared with observation only or placebo. [4] (10.1007/s11999-014-4022-y)
  • [L4] The presence of hypoechogenicity and bone changes indicates presence of a stressed common extensor origin-lateral epicondyle complex in elbows with lateral epicondylalgia. [5] (10.1186/1471-2342-14-10)
  • [L5] This article is a review of recently published information on elbow tendinopathy and tendon ruptures intended to assist clinicians in diagnosis and management, noting that while numerous treatment options exist for epicondylitis, no single universally accepted protocol has emerged. [7] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.01.022)
  • [L4] This study emphasizes the strength of the associations between combined physical exertion and elbow movements and lateral epicondylitis. [8] (10.1002/ajim.22140)
  • [L5] Accurate diagnosis requires distinguishing it from other elbow conditions, and treatment is guided by the specific pathologic stage of the tendon. [10] (10.1016/j.csm.2004.04.011)
  • [L1] Due to a small number of studies, large heterogeneity in interventions across trials, small sample sizes and poor reporting of outcomes, there was insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of surgery for lateral elbow pain. [11] (10.1002/14651858.cd003525.pub2)
  • [L4] Most patients with lateral epicondylitis resolve spontaneously or with standard conservative management, but refractory cases may benefit from interventional therapies or surgical approaches. [12] (10.5397/cise.2019.22.4.227)
  • [L4] The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that tennis elbow is a degenerative disease, the onset of which is hastened by overuse of the arm and elbow. [13] (10.1177/036354657900700405)
  • [L3] Almost half of the patients (46.5%) were diagnosed with a diagnosis other than lateral epicondylitis. [14] (10.1016/j.jseint.2024.08.047)
  • [L5] Failed surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis is multifactorial, and distinguishing the cause is critical for appropriate management. [15] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2023.07.006)
  • [L2] Denervation of the elbow for management of tennis elbow is a simple safe procedure. [16] (10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-24-00352)
  • [L4] Surgical intervention for refractory medial epicondylitis often has a high success rate with patients generally demonstrating an improvement in patient-reported outcomes and an encouraging number returning to work with limited complications. [17] (10.1177/03635465221095565)
  • [L2] Further investigations are needed, not only focused on shoulder impingement or epicondylar tendinopathy, but on tendinopathies in other areas of the upper limb. [18] (10.1016/j.jsams.2015.06.007)
  • [L4] Overall, the available data suggest that lateral epicondylitis often resolves spontaneously, warranting considerable circumspection before embarking on treatment. [19] (10.1016/j.otsr.2019.09.004)
  • [L2] The prognosis for medial epicondylitis in this population was good with a 3-year recovery rate at 81%. [20] (10.1097/01.jom.0000085888.37273.d9)
  • [L4] [21] (10.1097/blo.0b013e3181483dc4)
  • [L1] The significant short term benefits of corticosteroid injection are paradoxically reversed after six weeks, with high recurrence rates, implying that this treatment should be used with caution in the management of tennis elbow. [22] (10.1136/bmj.38961.584653.ae)
  • [L4] [25] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.07.019)
  • [L5] Lateral epicondylitis is a common, generally self-limiting tendinosis affecting patients aged 35 to 55 years. [26] (10.1302/0301-620x.95b9.29285)
  • [L4] There is wide variability of treatments offered when physiotherapy fails patients with tennis elbow. [28] (10.1177/1758573217738199)
  • [L1] In this SR, a considerable terminological heterogeneity emerged in the description of LEP, associated with the lack of clear and recognised diagnostic criteria in evaluating and treating patients with lateral elbow pain. [30] (10.3390/healthcare10061095)
  • [L1] Current research evidence suggests that surgery for tennis elbow is no more effective than nonsurgical treatment based on evidence with significant methodological limitations. [31] (10.1177/1758573217745041)
  • [L1] Corticosteroid injections have a shortterm beneficial effect on lateral epicondylitis, but a negative effect in the intermediate term. [32] (10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003564)
  • [L2] Lateral epicondylitis is a condition that is usually self-limited, resolving over a 12- to 18-month period without treatment. [33] (10.1007/s11552-014-9642-x)
  • [L5] [35] (10.1016/j.csm.2004.06.004)
  • [L4] The annual incidence of lateral epicondylitis per 10,000 patients and the proportion of cases treated surgically remained constant from 2007 to 2014. [38] (10.1007/s11420-017-9559-3)
  • [L4] To our knowledge, we present the first case of HO development after elbow arthroscopy for lateral epicondylitis. [39] (10.1177/1558944716668844)
  • [L3] [46] (10.1016/j.jseint.2024.01.008)
  • [L2] The results of this meta-analysis strongly support the hypothesis of an association between biomechanical exposure involving wrist and/or elbow at work and incidence of lateral epicondylitis. [57] (10.1002/acr.22874)
  • [L1] Peri-articular HA treatment for tennis elbow was significantly better than control in improving pain at rest and after maximal grip testing. [61] (10.1186/1758-2555-2-4)
  • [L5] Nonsurgical treatment is the mainstay of management for lateral epicondylitis, involving options such as rest, physical therapy, and injections. [62] (10.5435/00124635-200801000-00004)
  • [L4] [64] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2024.08.008)
  • [Paper] The article reviews the pathology, clinical presentation, and treatment options for lateral and medial epicondylitis in athletes, noting that nonoperative treatment has a success rate of up to 90% and that surgical options are reserved for recalcitrant cases. [66] (10.1016/j.csm.2010.06.009)
  • [L4] The arthroscopic identification of the 3 types of Baker lesions helps the surgeon to confirm the presence of pathology commonly seen intra-articularly in patients with lateral epicondylitis. [68] (10.1016/j.eats.2024.103142)
  • [L3] Although there is variation in the use of MRI for lateral epicondylitis and its use is associated with downstream effects, the routine use of MRI for the diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis is low. [69] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.03.025)
  • [L4] Increased MRI signal in the ECRB origin is common in symptomatic and in asymptomatic elbows. [70] (10.1016/j.jse.2016.01.033)
  • [L4] [71] (10.1016/j.jse.2016.10.022)
  • [L3] Surgical management of lateral epicondylitis varies depending on surgeons' fellowship training, and short-term complication rates appear comparable between open and arthroscopic treatment. [73] (10.1016/j.arthro.2017.04.078)
  • [L2] Poor prognosis at 1yr of follow-up for lateral epicondylitis was related to manual work and high baseline pain, whilst no relation was found between the type of medical treatment given/chosen and prognosis. [77] (10.1093/rheumatology/keg360)
  • [L4] Repetitive exposure to bending/straightening the elbow was a significant risk factor for medial and lateral epicondylitis. [84] (10.1093/rheumatology/ker228)

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[4] Does Nonsurgical Treatment Improve Longitudinal Outcomes of Lateral Epicondylitis Over No Treatment? A Meta-analysis. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2015. DOI: 10.1007/s11999-014-4022-y

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[11] Surgery for lateral elbow pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2011. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003525.pub2

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[16] A Comparative Study Between Denervation and Extensor Release for Management of Resistant Tennis Elbow. JAAOS: Global Research and Reviews. 2026. DOI: 10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-24-00352

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[18] Effectiveness of the eccentric exercise therapy in physically active adults with symptomatic shoulder impingement or lateral epicondylar tendinopathy: A systematic review. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2016. DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2015.06.007

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[21] Surgical Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2007. DOI: 10.1097/blo.0b013e3181483dc4

[22] Mobilisation with movement and exercise, corticosteroid injection, or wait and see for tennis elbow: randomised trial. BMJ. 2006. DOI: 10.1136/bmj.38961.584653.ae

[25] Lateral Epicondylitis: Review and Current Concepts. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2007. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.07.019

[26] Lateral epicondylitis. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2013. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.95b9.29285

[28] Management of tennis elbow: a survey of UK clinical practice. Shoulder & Elbow. 2017. DOI: 10.1177/1758573217738199

[30] Treatment, Diagnostic Criteria and Variability of Terminology for Lateral Elbow Pain: Findings from an Overview of Systematic Reviews. Healthcare. 2022. DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10061095

[31] Surgery for tennis elbow: a systematic review. Shoulder & Elbow. 2017. DOI: 10.1177/1758573217745041

[32] Treating lateral epicondylitis with corticosteroid injections or non-electrotherapeutical physiotherapy: a systematic review. BMJ Open. 2013. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003564

[33] Non-Surgical Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Aystematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. HAND. 2014. DOI: 10.1007/s11552-014-9642-x

[35] Lateral epicondylitis. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2004. DOI: 10.1016/j.csm.2004.06.004

[38] Epidemiology and Disease Burden of Lateral Epicondylitis in the USA: Analysis of 85, 318 Patients. HSS Journal®: The Musculoskeletal Journal of Hospital for Special Surgery. 2018. DOI: 10.1007/s11420-017-9559-3

[39] Heterotopic Ossification After the Arthroscopic Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis. HAND. 2017. DOI: 10.1177/1558944716668844

[42] Green S Operative Hand Surgery. Surgical Treatment > Expected Outcomes.

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[45] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. Elbow Stiffness* > IV. Evaluation.

[46] Prevalence and factors associated with lateral epicondylitis among hospital healthcare workers. JSES International. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2024.01.008

[47] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. ELBOW, WRIST, AND HAND.

[49] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 13 Ebook Without Multimedia. Anatomy, Biomechanics, Physical Examination, and Imaging of the Elbow > Summary and Conclusions.

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[52] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. POSTERIOR SURGICAL APPROACH FOR QUADRILATERAL SPACE SYNDROME > ELBOW INJURIES > ELBOW TENOPATHIES.

[54] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 13 Ebook Without Multimedia. Anatomy, Biomechanics, Physical Examination, and Imaging of the Elbow > Biomechanics > Clinical Examination.

[57] Lateral Epicondylitis and Physical Exposure at Work? A Review of Prospective Studies and Meta‐Analysis. Arthritis Care & Research. 2016. DOI: 10.1002/acr.22874

[61] Management of Tennis Elbow with sodium hyaluronate periarticular injections. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2010. DOI: 10.1186/1758-2555-2-4

[62] Management of Lateral Epicondylitis: Current Concepts. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2008. DOI: 10.5435/00124635-200801000-00004

[64] Surgical management of lateral epicondylitis: a scoping review of published literature. JSES Reviews, Reports, and Techniques. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.xrrt.2024.08.008

[66] Epicondylitis in the Athlete’s Elbow. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.csm.2010.06.009

[68] Recognition and Differentiation of Baker Lesions in Lateral Epicondylitis During Arthroscopic Debridement. Arthroscopy Techniques. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.eats.2024.103142

[69] The Use and Downstream Associations of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Lateral Epicondylitis. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.03.025

[70] Incidental magnetic resonance imaging signal changes in the extensor carpi radialis brevis origin are more common with age. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2016. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2016.01.033

[71] Three or more preoperative injections is the most significant risk factor for revision surgery after operative treatment of lateral epicondylitis: an analysis of 3863 patients. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2016.10.022

[73] Trends in Surgical Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis Among Recently Trained Orthopaedic Surgeons. Arthroscopy. 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2017.04.078

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[84] Occupation and epicondylitis: a population-based study. Rheumatology. 2011. DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/ker228

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