What is that?
Frequent triggers:
- Repetitive strain (e.g. computer work, manual activities, sport)
- Incorrect posture or overloading
- Micro-injuries to the tendons/muscles
Symptoms:
- Pain on the outside of the elbow
- Discomfort when lifting, gripping or turning the forearm
- Pressure sensitivity over the bony prominence (epicondyle)
Treatment:
- Rest, cooling, anti-inflammatory ointments
- Physiotherapy & eccentric training
- Shock wave therapy, LASER etc.
- Infiltrations
- In chronic cases: minimally invasive surgery
Symptoms:
- Burning or pulling pain on the outside
- Possible weakness in the wrist or forearm
- Often without pressure pain directly on the bone
Symptoms:
- Stiffness, restriction of movement
- Crunching or rubbing in the joint
- Pain on exertion, possibly also pain at rest
3. referred pain from the shoulder or cervical spine
How to recognize the difference
Feature
-
Localization
-
Trigger
-
Accompanying symptoms
Tennis elbow
-
Selectively on the outer elbow
-
Load, gripping
-
Pressure pain, no numbness
Radial tunnel syndrome
-
Slightly deeper, burning/pulling
-
Load, stretches
-
Sensations of discomfort, possibly weakness
Radial tunnel syndrome
-
Deep, in the entire joint area
-
Movement, age, previous damage
-
Restriction of movement
Conservative therapy:
- Cooling, relief
- Bandages or splints
- Physiotherapy (stretching, strengthening)
- Shock wave treatment or laser therapy
- Injections for persistent inflammation
Operational options:
- Tendon release for tennis elbow
- Nerve decompression in tunnel syndrome
- Joint endoscopy (arthroscopy) for osteoarthritis
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about pain on the outside of the elbow
How do I recognize tennis elbow?
Typical symptoms are pressure pain on the outside and pain when gripping or lifting – especially when the arm is outstretched.
How long does tennis elbow take to heal?
Depending on the severity, between a few weeks and several months. With targeted therapy, the healing process is significantly faster.
What happens if I don't treat tennis elbow?
The symptoms can become chronic and even lead to permanent tendon damage.
Does heat or cold help with tennis elbow?
In the acute phase Cold usually better. For chronic pain heat promote blood circulation.
Can I continue to play sport with tennis elbow?
Only to a limited extent. Strain that causes pain should be avoided. An individual therapy plan is important.
Treatment of elbow pain in Vienna
If you suffer from elbow pain you should have the cause professionally clarified. In my surgery ( Ortho-Hart) in Vienna I treat complaints such as tennis elbow and nerve compression with the most modern, joint-preserving methods.
