Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for Lateral Epicondylitis 

  • Author: Consuelo T Lorenzo, MD; Chief Editor: Rene Cailliet, MD   more...
 
Updated: Sep 27, 2011
 

Background

Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, is the most common overuse injury of the elbow and is observed up to 10 times more frequently than medial epicondylitis. Lateral epicondylitis is usually precipitated by repetitive contraction of the wrist extensors and is characterized by aching pain that is worsened with activity. Early conservative management is the key to symptom resolution, which eventually allows return to vocational and avocational activities without restriction.[1, 2, 3]

Related eMedicine topics:

Elbow and Forearm Overuse Injuries

Lateral Epicondylitis [Orthopedic Surgery]

Lateral Epicondylitis [Sports Medicine]

Overuse Injury

Tendonitis

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Pathophysiology

Lateral epicondylitis is a result of inflammation, or enthesitis, at the muscular origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB). This inflammation leads to microtears of the tendon, with subsequent fibrosis and, ultimately, tissue failure. Less commonly, the attachments of the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL), extensor digitorum communis (EDC), or extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) are involved.[4, 5, 6]

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Epidemiology

Sex

The condition affects men and women with equal frequency.

Age

Lateral epicondylitis most often occurs between the third and fifth decades of life.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Consuelo T Lorenzo, MD  Physiatrist, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Alegent Health, Immanuel Rehabilitation Center

Consuelo T Lorenzo, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Daniel D Scott, MD, MA  Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine; Attending Physician, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Eastern Colorado Health Care System

Daniel D Scott, MD, MA is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Paraplegia Society, Association of Academic Physiatrists, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Patrick M Foye, MD  Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Co-Director of Musculoskeletal Fellowship, Co-Director of Back Pain Clinic, Director of Coccyx Pain Service (Tailbone Pain Service: www.TailboneDoctor.com), University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School

Patrick M Foye, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Association of Academic Physiatrists, and International Spine Intervention Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Kelly L Allen, MD  Medical Director, Medevals

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Rene Cailliet, MD  Professor-Chairman Emeritus, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Southern California School of Medicine; Former Director, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Santa Monica Hospital Medical Center

Rene Cailliet, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pain Medicine, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Pain Society, Association of American Medical Colleges, International Association for the Study of Pain, and Pan American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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