TENNIS ELBOW (LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS): WHAT IS IT, HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED, AND HOW IS IT TREATED?

Many people complain of a sharp or burning pain on the outer side of their elbow in daily life. Sudden tenderness is felt in the elbow when opening a door, lifting a cup, or gripping something firmly. This condition is often referred to as "tennis elbow" (lateral epicondylitis) . However, this name is actually quite misleading.

The term tennis elbow originates from the fact that this problem was first identified in tennis players. However, modern epidemiological studies show that only a small percentage of cases actually occur in people who play tennis. In fact, only about half of all tennis players experience this problem at least once during their careers, and only about 5% of all cases are directly related to tennis . In other words, tennis elbow is actually more of a musculoskeletal problem associated with daily life and work activities than a sports-related injury .

Tennis elbow is quite common in the general population. Studies indicate that it affects approximately 1–3% of the general population . The condition most frequently occurs in individuals aged 20–65 , with its incidence peaking between the ages of 40–50 . Interestingly, there is no significant difference between men and women, and the condition occurs at similar rates across different ethnic groups.

The impact of this condition on society is not limited to individual pain or decreased athletic performance. Tennis elbow also constitutes a significant socioeconomic burden. In particular, for individuals working in physically demanding professions, the pain can severely affect work performance and lead to prolonged absenteeism. The higher incidence of this problem among individuals working in the construction, manufacturing, and retail sectors is a significant indicator of this.

However, what makes tennis elbow truly interesting is not just its prevalence. For many years, it was considered "tendinitis," or inflammation of the tendons . But recent histological and biomechanical studies have revealed that the problem is often not classic inflammation. Instead, the problem is considered a degenerative tendinopathy resulting from microscopic damage, structural deterioration, and inadequate healing processes in the tendon tissue.

Image Reference: https://www.britannica.com/science/tennis-elbow

This article will examine tennis elbow not only as a pain syndrome but also from the perspectives of elbow biomechanics, tendon biology, and load-bearing physics . First, we will explore the anatomy of the elbow and why this condition specifically affects certain tendons. Then, we will explain the true pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnostic methods, and modern treatment approaches in light of scientific data.

Because this elbow pain, which seems simple to most people, actually tells a very instructive biological story about the body's load management and tissue adaptation mechanisms.

ELBOW ANATOMY - WHERE THE PROBLEM BEGINS

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