90%
Recover Without Surgery
1-3%
Population Affected
35-50
Peak Age (Years)
6-12
Months to Heal
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is one of the most common causes of elbow pain, affecting 1-3% of the general population. It causes pain on the outer part of the elbow due to overuse of the forearm muscles that extend the wrist and fingers.
Despite its name, only 5% of tennis elbow cases are related to tennis. The condition commonly affects:
- • Office workers (typing, mouse use)
- • Manual laborers (plumbing, painting, carpentry)
- • Cooks and chefs (chopping, stirring)
- • Musicians (violin, guitar)
- • Racquet sports players
What Causes Tennis Elbow? (ECRB Tendinosis)
Tennis elbow is caused by angiofibroblastic degeneration (not inflammation) of the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB) tendon at its attachment to the lateral epicondyle. Repetitive microtrauma from gripping and wrist extension exceeds the tendon's ability to heal, leading to:
- • Disorganized collagen fibers
- • Increased blood vessel formation (neovascularization)
- • Fibroblast proliferation without inflammation
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Common Symptoms
When to See a Doctor
Pain persists beyond 2 weeks
Unable to carry objects or work
Pain waking you at night
Elbow swelling or deformity
Diagnosis
Tennis elbow is primarily a clinical diagnosis based on history and examination. Imaging is used to rule out other conditions.
Imaging (When Needed)
- • X-ray: Usually normal. May show calcification in chronic cases.
- • Ultrasound: Shows tendon thickening, tears, and increased blood flow.
- • MRI: Reserved for surgical planning or ruling out other pathology.
Treatment Options
90% of tennis elbow cases resolve with conservative (non-surgical) treatment
Eccentric Exercises (Tyler Twist)
Gold standard rehabilitation using FlexBar. Proven to reduce pain by 81% in studies.
Counterforce Bracing
Strap worn 2-3 cm below elbow reduces strain on ECRB tendon.
Stretching Program
Wrist extensor stretches held for 30 seconds, 3 times daily.
Activity Modification
Ergonomic changes, proper lifting technique, regular breaks.
PRP therapy uses your own blood's concentrated healing factors to repair the damaged tendon. It's recommended for chronic tennis elbow that hasn't responded to 3+ months of physiotherapy.
Success Rate
70-80%
improvement in pain & function
Recovery Time
4-6 weeks
to see full benefit
Note: Steroid injections provide short-term relief but have poorer long-term outcomes compared to PRP and physiotherapy.
Surgery is recommended only after 6-12 months of failed conservative treatment (affects only 10% of patients).
Arthroscopic Debridement (Dr. Reddy's Preferred)
Minimally invasive keyhole surgery to remove diseased tendon tissue. Faster recovery, smaller scars, 85-90% success rate.
Open Nirschl Debridement
Traditional surgery with direct visualization. Same success rate, slightly longer recovery.
Recovery Timeline
Pain Relief Phase
Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, counterforce brace
Early Rehabilitation
Gentle stretching, isometric exercises, activity modification
Strengthening Phase
Eccentric exercises (Tyler Twist), progressive loading
Return to Activity
Gradual return to sports/work, ongoing maintenance exercises
If Surgery Needed
2 weeks in splint → 6 weeks physio → 3 months full recovery
Tennis Elbow Treatment Cost in Hyderabad
* Costs are approximate and may vary based on hospital, insurance coverage, and individual requirements. Most insurance policies cover tennis elbow treatment.