Epicondylitis, or to give it its proper name, lateral epicondylitis, is the medical term for the condition colloquially referred to as tennis elbow. This condition results in pain around the outside of the elbow that often occurs when the forearm muscles and tendons close to the elbow joint are overused.

In severe cases, it can result in you spending long periods out of work. It typically occurs as a result of overuse and strain, which is why people whose work requires repeated bending of the elbow or excessive straining of the joint are at risk.

For more information on tennis elbow, visit the NHS website.

If you are experiencing tennis elbow, you are likely to encounter several specific symptoms that can significantly impact your daily activities. These symptoms primarily involve pain and difficulty in using your arm and may include:

• Sharp pain caused by actions such as picking up a cup of coffee or bending your arm to reach for something.
• Tasks requiring precision, like holding a pen, using a fork, or shaking hands, becoming challenging due to pain and weakened grip strength.
• Exacerbated discomfort from movements that involve rotating your forearm, such as turning a doorknob or using a screwdriver.
• Pain usually concentrated on the outer part of the forearm, just below the bend of the elbow. This area may also be tender to touch.
• Pain or difficulty in straightening your arm completely. This stiffness can limit your range of motion and hinder daily activities.

Tennis elbow is often associated with playing tennis. However, this condition can result from any activity that involves repetitive stress on the elbow joint. Jobs that require regular, repetitive arm movements place individuals at higher risk of developing tennis elbow.

The condition arises when the muscles and tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow, become overused. This overuse leads to inflammation and microtears in the muscle tissue and tendons, particularly those used to straighten the wrist and fingers. Activities that commonly cause tennis elbow include:

• Tasks such as plumbing, painting and carpentry, which involve repetitive arm motions.
• Prolonged typing and mouse use that strain the elbow.
• Sports like tennis, squash, badminton and weightlifting that depend on heavy use of these muscles.
• Activities like gardening, knitting or even frequent use of tools such as screwdrivers.

Proving that elbow injuries are work-related involves demonstrating a clear connection between your job duties and the development of the condition. Key points to establish this link include:

• Obtaining a diagnosis from a healthcare professional that links your symptoms to repetitive tasks or strain from your job.
• Keeping detailed records of your work activities, focusing on repetitive motions or prolonged periods of strain.
• Gathering statements from colleagues or supervisors who can attest to your work conditions and any complaints about pain.
• Providing records of any workplace adjustments or reports of discomfort related to your duties.
• Seeking advice from a specialist solicitor, like those at JMW, to help gather and present the necessary evidence effectively.

How much compensation for tennis elbow varies based on several factors, including the severity of the condition, the impact on your ability to work, and the specific circumstances of your case. Generally, compensation can cover:

• Costs for treatments, physiotherapy, and any required surgeries.
• Compensation for the income lost due to time off work or reduced ability to work.
• Awards for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
• Potential future medical costs and ongoing loss of earnings if the condition affects long-term employment prospects.

While exact figures can differ, typical compensation amounts for tennis elbow claims in the UK range from a few thousand pounds for minor cases to significantly higher sums for severe elbow injury and conditions.