Advances in the Diagnosis, Management, and Rehabilitation of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Evidence

Background: Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain and functional limitation of the lateral elbow. Despite its high incidence, challenges persist regarding standardized diagnostic criteria, optimal conservative treatments, and the role of emerging therapeutic modalities. Objective: This review aimed to synthesize recent evidence regarding the diagnosis, management strategies, and rehabilitation interventions for lateral epicondylitis, focusing on studies published within the last five years. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted across major databases to identify relevant systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and narrative reviews. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Results: Eccentric strengthening exercises combined with manual therapy demonstrated a significant reduction in pain (up to 42% improvement in VAS scores) and improved functional outcomes (up to 35% in grip strength). Ergonomic modifications and patient education emerged as critical elements in preventing recurrence and optimizing outcomes. Considerable heterogeneity was observed in diagnostic criteria across studies. Conservative management is favored as the initial approach, with surgical intervention reserved for persistent or refractory cases. Emerging therapies such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy and platelet-rich plasma injections showed comparable short-term effectiveness to corticosteroid injections (with reported improvement rates ranging from 30% to 45%) but should be used adjunctively. Conclusion: Current evidence supports a multimodal, individualized rehabilitation approach for effective management of lateral epicondylitis. There is an urgent need for greater consensus on diagnostic definitions and further high-quality studies to refine treatment protocols and evaluate long-term outcomes.