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Consult our MOH-accredited tennis elbow specialist for an accurate diagnosis & personalised treatment plan.
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition characterised by pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players; it can affect anyone who engages in repetitive arm, elbow, and wrist activities. This condition can cause significant discomfort and impair the ability to perform everyday tasks.
Experiencing pain, swelling or stiffness in the elbow? Consult our tennis elbow specialist for an accurate diagnosis & personalised treatment plan today.
Tennis elbow is primarily caused by repetitive stress and overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow. Several factors contribute to the development of this condition:
Tennis elbow manifests with several symptoms, primarily affecting the outer part of the elbow and forearm. Recognising these symptoms early can aid in timely diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include:
Diagnosing tennis elbow involves a combination of a thorough medical history, physical examination, and, in some cases, imaging studies. The following steps are typically taken to confirm the diagnosis:
The doctor will begin by taking a detailed medical history, asking about the onset of symptoms, activities that exacerbate the pain, occupation, and any previous injuries to the elbow or forearm.
During the physical examination, the doctor will palpate the lateral epicondyle to check for tenderness and swelling. They will also assess the range of motion and strength of the forearm and wrist. Specific tests, such as the Cozen’s test and Mill’s test, may be performed to evaluate pain and function.
Imaging studies can help rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis of tennis elbow. Common imaging techniques include:
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Consult our MOH-accredited tennis elbow specialist for an accurate diagnosis & personalised treatment plan.
Treatment for tennis elbow focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing of the affected tendons. The treatment approach can be conservative or, in persistent cases, surgical.
Non-surgical treatments are generally the first option for treating tennis elbow.
Surgery is considered when conservative treatments fail to provide relief or if there is significant tendon damage. Surgical options include:
This procedure involves removing the damaged portion of the tendon and reattaching the healthy part to the bone. Tendon release is often used to alleviate pain and improve function by addressing the compromised section of the tendon. Performed under local or general anaesthesia, a small incision is made to access the affected tendon. The doctor removes the damaged section and reattaches the remaining healthy tendon to the bone.
In cases of severe tendon damage, the doctor may repair the tendon by stitching the torn ends together or using a graft to reinforce the tendon. This method is designed to restore the tendon’s integrity and function. Usually done under general anaesthesia, an incision is made to expose the damaged tendon. Repair techniques include direct repair, where the torn ends of the tendon are stitched together, or grafting, where a tendon graft (often from another part of the body) is used to reinforce the repair.
This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis of the elbow. It involves targeted coblation of pathological tissue at significantly lower temperatures. The procedure consists of using a cauterizing needle to remove the inflammation and stimulate the tendon to heal.
Preventing tennis elbow involves adopting strategies that minimise the risk of overuse and strain on the forearm muscles and tendons. Here are some effective prevention tips:
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38 Irrawaddy Road #08-41
Singapore 329563
Monday – Friday: 9am – 1pm; 2pm – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 1pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
6 Napier Road #07-15
Singapore 258499
Monday – Friday: 9am – 1pm; 2pm – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 1pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
Seek medical attention if you experience persistent pain, increasing pain and weakness, pain with minimal activity, difficulty with grip, significant swelling and stiffness, limited range of motion, no improvement with conservative treatments, or recurring symptoms.
Yes, if left untreated, tennis elbow can lead to chronic pain, reduced function, and impaired ability to perform daily tasks.
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. Mild cases may improve within a few weeks with conservative treatment, while more severe cases may take several months. Consistent adherence to treatment and rehabilitation exercises is crucial for recovery.
No, surgery is not always required for tennis elbow. Most cases can be effectively managed with conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, medications, and injections. Surgery is typically considered only when these treatments fail to provide relief or if there is significant tendon damage.