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. 2025 Jan;20(1):32-36.
doi: 10.1177/15589447231199799. Epub 2023 Sep 25.

Google Search Analytics for Lateral Epicondylitis

Jeremy Dubin  1 , Suleiman Y Sudah  2 , Michael A Moverman  3 , Nicholas R Pagani  3 , Richard N Puzzitiello  3 , Mariano E Menendez  4 , Michael S Guss  5
Affiliations

Google Search Analytics for Lateral Epicondylitis

Jeremy Dubin et al. Hand (N Y). 2025 Jan.

Abstract

Background: The use of online search engines for health information is becoming common practice. We analyzed Google search queries to identify the most frequently asked topics and questions related to lateral epicondylitis ("tennis elbow") and the Web sites provided to address these questions.

Methods: Four search terms for lateral epicondylitis were entered into Google Web Search. A list of the most frequently asked questions along with their associated Web sites was extracted and categorized by 2 independent reviewers.

Results: A total of 400 questions were extracted with 168 associated Web sites. The most popular question topics were related to indications/management (39.0%), risks/complications (19.5%), and the ability to perform specific activities (18.8%). Frequently asked questions had to do with the duration of symptoms, self-management strategies (eg, brace use and self-massage), and the indications for surgery. The most common Web sites provided to address these questions were social media (27.5%), commercial (24.5%), academic (16.5%), and medical practice (16.3%).

Conclusion: The most frequently asked questions about lateral epicondylitis on Google centered around symptom duration and management, with most information originating from social media and commercial Web sites. Our data can be used to anticipate patient concerns and set expectations regarding the prognosis and management of lateral epicondylitis.

Keywords: Google Web Search; Internet; lateral epicondylitis; patient education; tennis elbow.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
The number of questions per question topic for lateral epicondylitis.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
The percentage of questions for lateral epicondylitis belonging to the fact, value, and policy category of Rothwell classification.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
The percentage of Web sites for lateral epicondylitis belonging to each Web site source.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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