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Epicondylitis (Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow)

Disclaimer (article status):

This temporary article’s aim is to cover “soft tissue injury” listed in the UKMLA content map.

There are generally more dependent on pattern recognition, anatomy, common injury mechanisms, and broad management principles than on detailed guideline pathways. More detailed guideline integration may be added in future updates.

Epicondylitis (Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow)

The elbow has two important bony prominences: the lateral epicondyle and the medial epicondyle. These act as tendon attachment sites for the forearm muscles.

Feature Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Affected tendon origin Common forearm extensor tendon Common forearm flexor-pronator tendon
Causes / triggers Repetitive wrist extension

  • Tennis (backhand stroke)
  • Racquet sports
  • Manual work
  • Screwdriver use
  • Computer use
Repetitive wrist flexion and forearm pronation

  • Golf
  • Throwing sports
  • Racquet sports
  • Manual work
  • Lifting
Clinical features
  • Lateral elbow pain and on triggering events
  • Pain reproduced by resisted wrist extension
  • Medial elbow pain and on triggering events
  • Pain reproduced by resisted wrist flexion / pronation
Diagnosis Primarily a clinical diagnosis

If there is diagnostic uncertainty, consider ultrasound or MRI

Management Conservative management:

  • Activity modification, reduce triggering activities
  • Analgesia
  • Counterforce brace or wrist splint
  • Physiotherapy

Surgery is rarely needed, reserved for persistent severe symptoms despite conservative management

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