Scientific article by Professor Hisham Maher Mohammed entitled “Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)”.

  Share :          
  655

Lateral epicondylitis is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders affecting the elbow joint. It develops as a result of repetitive strain and overuse of the forearm muscles, particularly those responsible for wrist extension. Although commonly associated with tennis—hence the name—it is not limited to athletes. It affects a wide range of individuals who perform repetitive hand and wrist movements in daily or occupational activities, such as typing, manual labor, and the use of hand tools. This condition primarily arises from repetitive wrist extension and forearm supination movements, which over time lead to chronic tendon overload. This is followed by degenerative changes and pain that negatively impact upper limb function. The risk of developing lateral epicondylitis is higher among individuals aged 30 to 50, as well as those who use improper techniques during work or sports activities, or who utilize tools that are not suited to the nature of the task. Clinical symptoms usually develop gradually. Patients commonly report localized pain on the outer side of the elbow, which becomes more pronounced during activities such as gripping, lifting objects, or extending the wrist. This may be accompanied by reduced grip strength and difficulty performing simple daily tasks, such as carrying items or opening doors. Tenderness upon direct palpation of the affected area is also a common finding, which further impacts functional ability. Diagnosis is primarily based on patient history and careful clinical examination. Specific clinical tests are used to reproduce pain and localize the injury, such as Cozen’s test and Maudsley’s test. In chronic or complex cases that require deeper evaluation, imaging modalities such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to assess the extent of tissue involvement. Management is typically multifaceted and often begins with conservative treatment aimed at relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and improving functional movement. This includes resting the affected limb, modifying daily activities to avoid pain-provoking movements, applying cold therapy, and using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Bracing may also be used to reduce stress on the affected tendons. Physiotherapy plays a central role in rehabilitation. It helps restore muscle strength, improve flexibility, and enhance functional performance. Treatment programs often include stretching exercises for the forearm muscles and strengthening exercises, particularly eccentric training, which has been shown to improve tendon structure. Additional interventions may include manual therapy techniques, therapeutic ultrasound, and functional taping, all of which contribute to accelerating recovery and restoring normal function. In cases that do not respond to conservative treatment, medical interventions such as corticosteroid injections may be considered for short-term pain relief. In chronic and refractory cases that persist without significant improvement, surgical intervention may be considered based on individual assessment. Prevention plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of developing this condition. This includes adhering to proper techniques during work or sports, avoiding repetitive strain, strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and using appropriate tools that match the activity. These measures help minimize the likelihood of injury or recurrence. In conclusion, lateral epicondylitis is a common condition that can significantly affect quality of life and daily performance. However, early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment approach—particularly through physiotherapy—are highly effective in achieving recovery and reducing the risk of recurrence, enabling individuals to safely return to their normal activities Al-Mustaqbal University, the first university in Iraq