Commonly referred to as 'elbow',
these conditions involve pain occurring at the 'epicondylar origin,' which is the point where the muscles responsible for
arm movement originate at the elbow,
and this is called 'epicondylitis.'
Depending on where it occurs, Tennis Elbow refers to lateral epicondylitis (outer elbow). Golfer’s Elbow refers to medial epicondylitis (inner elbow)
If joint damage accompanies the condition and causes significant pain affecting daily life, arthroscopic surgery may be required.
Causes of Tennis Elbow / Golfer’s Elbow
Repetitive use of the arm in sports like tennis or golf
Excessive strain placed on the wrist or elbow area
Injuries caused by accidents or external trauma
Congenitally unstable or weak elbow joints and tendons
Main Symptoms of Tennis Elbow / Golfer’s Elbow
Pain in the elbow accompanied by tingling in the arm or fingers
Tenderness when pressing the painful area of the elbow
Stiffness in the elbow upon waking up in the morning
In severe cases, difficulty performing various hand movements
Diagnosis and Treatment Methods
NON-SURGICAL
Rest and Splinting Minimize hand and arm use, and wear a splint to stabilize the area
Medication Use of anti-inflammatory painkillers to reduce pain and inflammation
Physical Therapy Includes heat therapy, electrical stimulation, stretching, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), and injections
Injection Therapy
SURGICAL
If non-surgical treatment is ineffective, arthroscopic surgery may be considered. Arthroscopic surgery is performed under anesthesia. Manual manipulation is first used to restore joint range of motion. Then, using an arthroscope and surgical instruments, the internal condition is visually confirmed, and the affected area is treated quickly and precisely.
A minimal incision (less than 5 mm) is made near the elbow
An arthroscopic camera and surgical tools are inserted into the joint
The damaged area is identified on the screen, and the space under the acromion is trimmed to create more room
Precautions
Although rare, bleeding, infection, or blood clots may occur during surgery or procedures.
