Tennis elbow

A common extensor tendinopathy (tennis elbow) refers to pain and a weakening to the fibres of the tendon attaching the muscles of your forearm to the outer bone of your elbow (lateral epicondyle).

Although rackets sports players can develop a common extensor tendinopathy, the vast majority of individuals who develop symptoms do so as a result of prolonged, repetitive activities including warehouse or desk-based work, often with a poor ergonomic setup.

Localised pain is felt directly over the common extensor tendon in the outer elbow which sometimes radiates down the forearm muscle bulk.

Symptoms are aggravated by any activity which requires repeated use of the wrist extensor muscles. Common examples may include working at a computer (keyboard or mouse work) or gripping, lifting or carrying tasks.

A common extensor tendinopathy can be reliably diagnosed by your doctor or physiotherapist by taking a history of your condition. In some circumstances it may be necessary to conduct a physical examination but this is usually not necessary in uncomplicated tennis elbow.

The main features are tenderness directly over the tendon insertion on the lateral bony point of the elbow. There is also pain directly over the tendon when contracting the forearm muscles against resistance (for example when gripping or resisting wrist extension).

Scans are not routinely required.