Underestimated pain - How tennis elbow, golfer's elbow and mouse arm develop - and what you can do about it

Elbow pain can affect anyone - whether you're an athlete, an office worker or a DIY enthusiast. If every movement becomes torture, it's often due to overuse syndrome. Orthopedic surgeon Markus Klingenberg explains what's behind it and how you can prevent it.

Elbow pain can have a significant impact on everyday life. Whether opening a bottle, shaking hands or working on the computer - suddenly every movement becomes torture . Often it is caused by overuse syndromes such as tennis elbow, golfer's elbow or so-called mouse arm. These complaints do not only affect athletes, but can affect anyone who repeatedly or one-sidedly strains their arm.

Markus Klingenberg is a specialist in orthopedics and trauma surgery with a focus on arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, hand, knee and ankle as well as foot surgery. He has additional qualifications in sports medicine, chiropractic/manual medicine and emergency medicine. After studying medicine in Bonn and Zurich and staying in London, Innsbruck and Boston, he completed his specialist training. Since 2014 he has been the senior physician at the Beta Clinic in Bonn for the areas of arthroscopy, foot surgery and sports medicine. Here is his website www.markusklingenberg.de

Overuse syndromes of the elbow are caused by repeated or sustained strain on the tendons and muscles in the elbow area. The most common forms are tennis elbow (epicondylitis humeri radialis), which affects the outside of the elbow, golfer's elbow (epicondylitis humeri ulnaris), which occurs on the inside, and mouse arm (RSI syndrome), which can affect both the outside and inside of the elbow as well as the wrist and forearm.

These syndromes result in fine tears in the tendon attachment tissue where the tendons of the forearm muscles are connected to the elbow. These micro-tears cause inflammation and pain.

Contrary to the name, it is not only athletes who are affected by these overload syndromes. In fact, they can affect anyone who regularly puts one-sided strain on their arm. Office workers often suffer from mouse arm due to long hours of work at the computer and constant mouse movements. Craftsmen such as installers or mechanics are at risk due to repetitive movements. DIY enthusiasts can also be affected after intensive renovation or gardening work. Even musicians who play instruments such as the piano or violin are not immune to these complaints.

The typical symptoms of elbow strain syndrome are pain on the outside or inside of the elbow, which can radiate into the forearm. Those affected complain of weakness in the hand and have difficulty gripping or lifting objects. Stiffness and limited mobility of the elbow are other signs.

Diagnosis is usually made through a detailed medical history and physical examination with specific tests. In more complex cases, imaging procedures such as an MRI can be used for further clarification.

The treatment of elbow overload syndromes involves various approaches. In conservative therapy, the focus is on resting and immobilizing the affected arm. Cooling can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Physiotherapy and targeted exercises support healing, while ergonomic adjustments at the workplace reduce further strain. Bandages or orthoses can provide additional stabilization.

Anti-inflammatory painkillers are often used, either orally or as a gel. In some cases, cortisone injections may be necessary. Special forms of therapy such as shock wave therapy, acupuncture or autologous blood therapy (ACP therapy) also show success. Surgical measures are rare and are only considered if conservative methods do not work after a long period of time.

Prevention and self-management play an important role in managing elbow strain syndromes. Ergonomic aids such as vertical mice or adapted keyboards can optimize the workplace. Make sure your desk and chair are at the right height and use armrests to relieve pressure.

Regular breaks and stretching exercises are essential. Take short breaks from repetitive activities and do stretching and loosening exercises for your forearm and wrist. Strengthening the forearm muscles through targeted exercises can also be helpful. Techniques such as strengthening wrist extensors, forearm massages with fascia rolls or wrist stretches support the muscles.

Improve your technique when exercising to avoid unnecessary strain. In the case of acute symptoms, cooling can reduce inflammation. It is important to react to symptoms early and adapt activities accordingly.

The best strategy against elbow overload syndromes is prevention. Many complaints can be avoided through regular exercise, balanced training and ergonomic adjustments. Warm up before sporting activities and incorporate regular stretching and strengthening exercises into your daily routine . Variety in repetitive activities and mindfulness of your own physical limits are also crucial. If you listen to your body, take regular breaks and strengthen your muscles in a targeted manner, you can do a lot to avoid or alleviate these complaints.