How to Diagnose Tennis Elbow and Differentiate It From Other Elbow Injuries?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the outer part of the elbow. It is commonly caused by repetitive use of the forearm muscles and tendons, which can lead to inflammation and pain. While tennis elbow is a common condition, it is important to properly diagnose it and differentiate it from other elbow injuries.

Here are some steps you can take to diagnose tennis elbow and differentiate it from other elbow injuries:

1.) Understand the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The first step in diagnosing tennis elbow is to understand the symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of tennis elbow include:

Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow.
Pain that worsens with gripping or lifting objects.
Weakness in the forearm and wrist.
Stiffness and difficulty moving the elbow.
Pain and stiffness during night.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor or healthcare professional to get a proper diagnosis.

2.) Get a Physical Exam

During a physical exam, your doctor will examine your elbow for signs of tennis elbow. They will check for pain and tenderness in the outer part of the elbow, as well as weakness in the forearm and wrist. They may also ask you to perform certain movements or tests to assess the strength and flexibility of your arm.

3.) Imaging Tests

If your doctor suspects that you have tennis elbow, they may order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays or MRI scans can help your doctor see the bones, tendons, and other structures in your elbow to determine if there are any signs of damage, calcification or inflammation.

4.) Differential Diagnosis

One of the most important steps in diagnosing tennis elbow is to differentiate it from other elbow injuries that may have similar symptoms. Some conditions that can mimic tennis elbow include:

Golfer’s elbow: This condition affects the inner part of the elbow and is caused by repetitive use of the wrist and forearm muscles. It can cause pain, tenderness, and weakness in the forearm and wrist.
Elbow sprain: An elbow sprain occurs when the ligaments that connect the bones in the elbow are stretched or torn. This can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the elbow.
Elbow bursitis: This condition occurs when the bursa on the posterior aspect of (behind) elbow, a small sac of fluid that cushions the joint, becomes inflamed. It can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the elbow.
Radial tunnel syndrome: This condition occurs when the radial nerve, which runs down the forearm, becomes compressed or irritated. It can cause pain, weakness, and numbness in the forearm and hand.

To differentiate tennis elbow from these other conditions, your doctor will take into account your symptoms, medical history, and the results of any imaging tests. They may also perform additional tests, such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography, to assess the function of your nerves and muscles.

Overcoming tennis elbow: How a physiotherapist can help you bounce back

Physiotherapists excel in providing effective tennis elbow treatment. Also referred to as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is a condition affecting the outer part of the elbow, commonly triggered by excessive use of forearm muscles and tendons. Our skilled physiotherapists offer personalized treatment plans incorporating targeted exercises, manual therapy, and other specialized techniques to alleviate tennis elbow symptoms.

Here are some ways that physiotherapists can help patients with tennis elbow:

1.) Conducting a Comprehensive Assessment

The first step in developing an effective treatment plan for tennis elbow is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s condition. A physiotherapist will ask the patient about their symptoms, medical history, and any previous treatments they may have received. They will also examine the patient’s elbow and perform tests to assess their range of motion, strength, and flexibility. This assessment will help the physiotherapist determine the severity of the condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

2.) Developing a Customized Exercise Program

One of the most effective ways to treat tennis elbow is through exercise. A physiotherapist can develop a customized exercise program for the patient that focuses on strengthening the muscles in the forearm, wrist, and hand. These exercises may include wrist curls, reverse wrist curls, and grip strengthening exercises. The physiotherapist will also work with the patient to develop a stretching program to improve flexibility and reduce pain.

3.) Providing Manual Therapy

In addition to exercise, physiotherapists can provide manual therapy to patients with tennis elbow. This may include techniques such as massage, mobilization, and manipulation. Manual therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and promote healing.

4.) Using Modalities to Reduce Pain and Inflammation

Physiotherapists may also use modalities such as ice, heat, ultrasound, shockwave therapy, dry needling (IMS/FDN) or electrical stimulation to help reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area. These modalities can be used in combination with exercise and manual therapy to help speed up the healing process.

5.) Teaching Patients Self-Care Techniques

Another important role of physiotherapists in the treatment of tennis elbow is to teach patients self-care techniques. This may include educating patients about proper posture and body mechanics, as well as teaching them how to modify their activities to prevent further injury. Physiotherapists may also provide advice on how to use braces or other supports to manage pain and improve function.

6.) Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Treatment Plans

As the patient progresses through treatment, the physiotherapist will monitor their progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary. They may modify the exercise program, provide additional manual therapy, or introduce new modalities to help the patient continue to improve.

In conclusion, physiotherapists can play a critical role in the treatment of tennis elbow. By conducting a comprehensive assessment, developing a customized exercise program, providing manual therapy, using modalities to reduce pain and inflammation, teaching patients self-care techniques, and monitoring progress, physiotherapists can help patients recover from this condition and improve their overall function and quality of life. If you are experiencing symptoms of tennis elbow, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a physiotherapist to develop an effective treatment plan.

Book Your BACK NECK SHOULDER KNEE ELBOW HIP WRIST FOOT Pain Consult

This appointment is your opportunity to tell us what hurts and discover whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care is a good fit for you! During this session, you will talk with a physiotherapist or chiropractor on a phone call (or online) and create the right care plan specifically for your pain. There is no obligation on this session is to find out whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care can help you getting back to doing the things you love in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a natural remedy for tennis elbow?

There are several natural remedies that can be effective in reducing the symptoms of tennis elbow, including:

Rest: Giving your elbow time to heal is important in reducing pain and inflammation.
Stretching and strengthening exercises: Gentle exercises can help to improve flexibility and build strength in the affected area.
Massage therapy: Massaging the muscles and tendons in the forearm can help to relieve tension and reduce pain.
Hot and cold therapy: Alternating between hot and cold therapy can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Essential oils: Certain essential oils, such as peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil, can help to reduce pain and inflammation when applied topically.

What is better for tennis elbow heat or ice?

Both heat and ice can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation in tennis elbow, but it depends on the stage of the injury. In the early stages when the injury is still acute, ice is generally recommended to reduce swelling and numb the area. Apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. In the later stages when the injury is more chronic, heat can be helpful in promoting circulation and healing. Apply heat for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which treatment is best for you.

What makes tennis elbow worse?

There are several factors that can make tennis elbow worse, including:

Overuse: Repeatedly performing wrist and finger activities that strain the forearm muscles and tendons, such as playing tennis or typing, can aggravate tennis elbow.
Poor technique: Using improper technique during sports or other activities can place excessive strain on the elbow joint and exacerbate tennis elbow.
Age: Tennis elbow is more common in people over the age of 40 due to natural degeneration of the tendons.
Genetics: Some people may be more prone to developing tennis elbow due to inherited factors.
Improper treatment: Failing to properly treat tennis elbow can cause the condition to worsen over time. It is important to seek professional help as soon as possible.

About Har Amrit Kahlon

Har Amrit Kahlon (Amrit) completed his BSc. P.T. in 2001. He started his career as a physiotherapist in a hospital setting working in an acute trauma ward for neurological and orthopaedic conditions. He started working in private practice in 2004 and has been continuously doing so. He has completed post graduate courses in Kinesiotaping, Functional Dry Needling, Concussion Management, Vestibular Rehabilitation, and Doctorate of Physical Therapy in musculoskeletal management.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information presented in this blog post is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, treatment or a diagnosis, consult with a medical professional such as one suggested on this website. The Clinic Accelerator Inc. and the author of this page are not liable for the associated risks of using or acting upon the information contained in this article.

How to Diagnose Tennis Elbow and Differentiate It From Other Elbow Injuries?