Lateral epicondylitis is the medical name for pain that arises from the outer (‘lateral’) part of the elbow. It is often referred to as ‘Tennis elbow’.

Tennis elbow is often due to inflammation of the wrist extensor tendons. These tendons are involved in bending the wrist joint up (extension) and are also active when gripping with the wrist extended (as in tennis, hence the name). Any repetitive activity that twists and extends the wrist can lead to tennis elbow.

When large and inflamed, the tendons can cause pain with certain activities e.g. lifting, gripping. If left untreated the tenderness can increase to an intermittent sharp shooting pain which comes on with activities such as gripping/ lifting heavy item/ making a fist / shaking hands. A more constant dull ache can also start to be present even at rest and pain can become more widespread down the forearm towards the hand.

What causes tennis elbow

If you do work or hobbies that mean you are repeatedly gripping or bending/extending the wrist. It can also be caused when you do an activity you've not done very much before. e.g decorating your house.

Check if you have tennis elbow

The symptoms of tennis elbow include;

- Local pain or tenderness on the bony bump on the outside of the elbow.

- Pain with certain activities; gripping (driving/shaking hands), wrist extension, repetitive activities.

How to treat tennis elbow yourself:

• Tennis elbow can sometimes settle on its own or with a period of rest or activity modification (taking a break from the activity that makes symptoms worse).

• Pain killers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (anti-inflammatories) may offer short relief (consult your pharmacist if you are unsure)

• Ice - Using an ice pack and performing ice massage with an ice cube over the affected area is recommended (click here to find out more)

• Wear a tennis elbow strap - An ‘epicondylitis clasp’ can sometimes be helpful to offload the tendon and therefore decrease the pain. This is worn just below the elbow with the aim of decreasing the stress/ tension on the tendon when the muscle contracts. You will be able to find these online or at your local pharmacy.

Click below to download a self help exercise sheet

Further Resources:

Check out the video below for exercises to help. BESS webpage here

Medial epicondylitis is the medical name for pain that arises from the inner (‘medial’) part of the elbow. It is often referred to as ‘Golfers elbow’.

Golfers elbow is often due to inflammation of the wrist flexor tendons. These tendons are involved in flexing the wrist joint and are also active when gripping with the wrist flexed (as in golf, hence the name). Any repetitive activity that twists and flexes the wrist can lead to golfer’s elbow.

When large and inflamed the tendons can cause pain with certain activities e.g. lifting, gripping. If left untreated the tenderness can increase to an intermittent sharp shooting pain which comes on with activities such as gripping/ lifting heavy item/ making a fist / shaking hands. A more constant dull ache can also start to be present even at rest and pain can become more widespread down the forearm towards the hand. There may be discomfort in extending (straightening) the wrist also, due to stretching of the affected muscles.

What causes golfer’s elbow

If you do work or hobbies that mean you are repeatedly gripping or bending/flexing the wrist

Check if you have golfers elbow

The symptoms of golfers elbow include;

• Local pain or tenderness on the bony bump on the inside of the elbow.

• Pain with certain activities; gripping (driving/shaking hands), wrist flexion, repetitive activities.

For more information and exercises for Golfers Elbow below to download our leaflet.

Osteoarthritis is ‘wear and tear’ where the cartilage lining the joint becomes worn, causing inflammation, pain and stiffness. This stiffness is often more common in the morning or after pjysical activity. Osteoarthritis is more common in the ageing population and those who have had trauma (e.g. a break/fracture) to their elbow in the past.

It is important to try and continue with gentle exercise to help maintain movement and stimulate the natural lubricating fluid of the joint.

If pain is not adequately controlled with simple pain killers, then consult your GP/Pharmacist. They may consider stronger pain relief or a steroid injection. You may also benefit from using a hot pack on your elbow (Click here for more information on applying a hot pack)

What is a Radial Head injury?

This is when a injury or fracture in one of the bones between your elbow and your hand (Radius).

The role of the elbow is helps to bend, straighten and rotate your forearm. These Injuries are often caused by a fall on an outstretched arm.

How long should I wear my sling? Slings are not routinely provided for this injury, as it is important to get the elbow moving to reduce stiffness. Further complications can occur if a sling is worn too long.

When a sling is provided this is to help with pain and to improve comfort after injury. The sling should only be used for 1-3 days, otherwise the elbow may become stiff and more painful.

What are the symptoms of a Radial head injury?

• Pain around the Elbow

• Swelling around the Elbow and Wrist

• Bruising around the Elbow

• Reduced movement

How long will the symptoms last?

Radial head injury symptoms will usually last 3-6 weeks but for some individuals these symptoms can last for months. Occasionally people do not regain full extension (straightness) movement at the elbow after this injury. This should not affect your function.

When can I return to driving? Once you have weaned out of the sling and you feel confident to have control of your vehicle. Please check your insurance policy.

Click here for exercises