This condition is also known as Lateral epicondylitis and is characterised by pain on the outside of the elbow joint. It  was considered common in tennis players causing them pain on back hand shots. It causes pain on gripping, opening jars and bottles and lifting. There may be heat and swelling associated with it.

CAUSES

Repetive trauma often from sporting activities but also from D.I.Y., gardening and assembly line work. Faulty sporting technique, poor workplace ergonomics, poor equipment [e.g. wrong size grip on tennis raquet  or using a rusty shears to cut a hedge] and poor biomechanics can cause the problem.

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Bimechanical analysis of the upper limb to determine causative factors will be undertaken on the first assessment. It is vital to determine the cause so that recurrance can be avoided. Sports or workplace equipment may need to be reveiwed.

Treatment may involve mobilising stiff joints, massage, electrotherapy [to optimise healing and relieve pain] and individually tailored exercises. Sometimes taping  or braces are used to off load sensitive structures.