Lateral Epicondylitis Follow-up

  • Author: Bryant James Walrod, MD; Chief Editor: Sherwin SW Ho, MD   more...
 
Updated: Oct 25, 2011
 

Return to Play

Gradual return to play is recommended, with an emphasis on the patient employing improved form to avoid aggravating activities and techniques. The athlete should be able to perform pain-free ROM activities. Continued attention should be placed on a strengthening and conditioning program.

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Complications

The most serious complication is complete tendon rupture. Such an injury often causes a palpable defect in the extensors, which results in weakness on attempted wrist extension. Frequently, the treatment of this complication is surgical repair.

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Prevention

  • Attention to proper form and technique will decrease the risk of developing tendinosis of the lateral elbow extensor muscles.
  • Proper equipment, (ie, size and weight of racquet, size of grip, dry balls)
  • Improved conditioning, improved core strength
  • Gradual increase in intensity and duration of activity
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Prognosis

Although most patients with lateral epicondylitis tend to improve in 9-18 months, they need to be made aware that successful treatment may be a prolonged course. Refractory cases may need surgical intervention.

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Education

Advise the athlete on proper technique and equipment. Formal sport lessons may be beneficial to prevent individuals from acquiring bad habits.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Bryant James Walrod, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Craig C Young, MD  Professor, Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Community and Family Medicine, Medical Director of Sports Medicine, Director of Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship, Medical College of Wisconsin

Craig C Young, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Andrew D Perron, MD  Residency Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Maine Medical Center

Andrew D Perron, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Sports Medicine, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

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

Jon B Whitehurst, MD  Clinical Instructor of Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine; Partner, Rockford Orthopedic Associates; Orthopedic Chairman, Rockford Memorial Hospital

Jon B Whitehurst, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopy Association of North America

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Sherwin SW Ho, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Section of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Chicago

Sherwin SW Ho, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America, and Herodicus Society

Disclosure: Breg, Inc. Consulting fee Consulting; Biomet, Inc. Consulting fee Consulting; GMV, Inc. Arthroscopy Simulator Evaluation and teaching; Smith and Nephew Grant/research funds Fellowship funding; DJ Ortho Grant/research funds Course funding; Athletico Physical Therapy Grant/research funds Course, research funding

References

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