Golfer's Elbow

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury that affects the tendons attached to the outer side of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players and can occur in individuals who engage in repetitive gripping, twisting of the forearm, or strenuous arm movements. The condition often develops gradually over time due to repetitive stress on the tendons, leading to degeneration and microtears.

Signs and Symptoms of Tennis Elbow:

1. Pain and Tenderness: Individuals with tennis elbow typically experience pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm.
2. Weakness: Weakness in the affected arm and difficulties with gripping or lifting objects may be present.
3. Stiffness: Stiffness in the elbow joint, especially during movements involving wrist extension or gripping, can be a symptom of tennis elbow.
4. Worsening Symptoms: Pain and discomfort often worsen with activities such as lifting, gripping, or repetitive wrist movements.

Long-Term Effects of Tennis Elbow

If left untreated, or if the causative activities are continued, tennis elbow can lead to persistent symptoms and functional limitations. In some cases, chronic tennis elbow may result in prolonged pain, reduced grip strength, and difficulty performing daily tasks or occupational activities that require the use of the affected arm.

Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow:

1. Rest and Activity Modification: Initially, resting the affected arm and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms can help alleviate pain and reduce strain on the tendons.
2. Physical Therapy: Specific exercises and stretches prescribed by a physical therapist can help strengthen the muscles around the elbow and improve flexibility. Additionally, techniques such as manual therapy, ultrasound, or dry needling may be utilized.
3. Bracing and Support: Wearing an elbow strap or brace can reduce strain on the tendons during activities, providing support and pain relief.
4. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended to alleviate pain and inflammation.
5. Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections into the affected area can provide short-term relief from pain and inflammation.
6. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT is a non-invasive treatment option involving the use of shock waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain in chronic cases of tennis elbow.
7. Surgery: In severe and refractory cases, surgical procedures such as a release of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon may be considered to address long-standing tennis elbow.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection therapy is a regenerative treatment approach that has been used for various musculoskeletal conditions, including tennis elbow. PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood and contains a concentrated amount of platelets, growth factors, and other bioactive proteins that can potentially enhance the healing process.

PRP Injections in Tennis Elbow:

1. Procedure: During a PRP injection procedure for tennis elbow, a small sample of the patient’s blood is drawn and processed to extract the platelet-rich plasma. The prepared PRP is then injected into the affected area around the lateral epicondyle of the elbow, where the degenerated tendons and tissue are located.
2. Mechanism of Action: The growth factors and bioactive components in PRP are thought to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the body’s natural healing response in the tendon and surrounding tissues.
3. Potential Benefits: Some studies and clinical reports suggest that PRP injections may offer pain relief, reduce tendon degeneration, and improve functional outcomes in individuals with chronic or refractory tennis elbow.

Role of Arthroscopic Surgery in Tennis Elbow:
Arthroscopic surgery, specifically for tennis elbow, typically involves a minimally invasive technique to address the underlying pathology and provide relief from persistent symptoms.

1. Procedure: During arthroscopic surgery for tennis elbow, small incisions are made around the elbow, and a thin, flexible instrument with a camera (arthroscope) is inserted to visualize the damaged tendons and surrounding structures. Surgical tools are then used to debride (remove damaged tissue) or release the affected tendons, addressing the chronic degeneration and microtears.
2. Benefits: Arthroscopic surgery may offer several potential benefits, including precise visualization of the affected area, minimal disruption to surrounding tissues, and the ability to address concomitant intra-articular pathology in the elbow joint.
3. Rehabilitation: Following arthroscopic surgery, a structured rehabilitation program is typically implemented to optimize recovery, restore range of motion, and gradually reintroduce strengthening exercises to promote functional improvement.

Both PRP injection therapy and arthroscopic surgery for tennis elbow are considered as treatment options in cases where conservative measures have been ineffective or in severe, refractory conditions. The choice between these treatment modalities is often based on the individual patient’s specific clinical presentation, severity of symptoms, and response to non-surgical interventions. It’s important for individuals considering these treatment options to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and expected outcomes based on their unique circumstances.