Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) – Symptoms, Treatment & Surgery in Karachi

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain on the outer side of the elbow. It is usually related to irritation or degeneration of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow.

Tennis elbow can cause pain during gripping, lifting, shaking hands or moving the wrist. Dr. Vikash Singh provides assessment and treatment of tennis elbow in Karachi, including non-surgical treatment and surgery for selected patients with persistent symptoms.

Tennis Elbow Symptoms

Common symptoms of tennis elbow include:

• Pain on the outer side of the elbow

• Pain when gripping or holding objects

• Pain when lifting objects

• Pain while shaking hands

• Pain during wrist movement

• Tenderness around the outer elbow

• Weak grip

• Pain that becomes worse with repetitive activities

Outer Elbow Pain – Could It Be Tennis Elbow?

Pain on the outside of the elbow, particularly when gripping, lifting or moving the wrist, can be a symptom of tennis elbow.

However, other elbow and nerve conditions can cause similar symptoms. A proper clinical assessment is important to determine the cause of elbow pain and choose the appropriate treatment.

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is commonly associated with repeated stress on the muscles and tendons of the forearm.

Possible contributing activities include:

• Repetitive gripping

• Frequent lifting

• Repeated wrist movements

• Manual work

• Certain sports activities

• Repetitive computer or occupational activities

• Overuse of the forearm muscles

Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow

Diagnosis is usually based on your symptoms and clinical examination. The elbow, wrist and forearm are assessed to identify the location of pain and determine whether tendon irritation is responsible.

Imaging or other investigations may be recommended when necessary, particularly when another condition needs to be excluded.

Tennis Elbow Treatment in Karachi

Treatment depends on the severity and duration of symptoms.

Non-surgical treatment may include:

• Activity modification

• Rest from activities that aggravate the pain

• Physiotherapy and stretching exercises

• Strengthening of the forearm muscles

• Appropriate pain-relieving medication

• Elbow support or brace when appropriate

• Selected injections when clinically indicated

Many patients improve with appropriate non-surgical treatment. Persistent symptoms may require further assessment to determine whether another treatment option is appropriate.