Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

What Is It?

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is inflammation of the fibrous tissue (tendon) that connects muscle to bone in the elbow. It is a form of tendonitis. In tennis elbow, the tendons on the outside of the elbow (the lateral epicondyle) are affected. In golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), another form of tendonitis, the tendons on the inside of the elbow are affected. The inflamed tendons may be strained or have tiny tears caused by overusing the muscles that control the wrist and fingers.

Tennis elbow often results from playing tennis and other racket sports, particularly if the participant is using improper form. However, it is caused more commonly by noncompetitive activities, such as pulling weeds, carrying a suitcase or using a screwdriver, that strain the tendons in the elbow. Sometimes, tennis elbow develops for no apparent reason.

Symptoms

Tennis elbow causes pain, tenderness and sometimes swelling of the elbow and forearm on the affected side. The pain may worsen if the person attempts any activity that stresses the painful tendons, such as lifting heavy objects or even just shaking hands.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, especially whether your elbow and/or forearm hurts when you move your wrist. Your doctor also will ask about any sports or physical activities that may have triggered your symptoms.

During a physical examination, your doctor will check for pain, tenderness and swelling in the elbow, forearm and wrist on the affected side. If your symptoms are not characteristic of tennis elbow or if you have an unusual history of injury, your doctor may order X-rays or other tests to check for other possible However, no tests are required to make the diagnosis.

Expected Duration

The pain of tennis elbow generally subsides within a few weeks, although it sometimes can persist for months. Continuing to use the injured muscles can prevent healing and may result in a long-lasting (chronic) condition.

Prevention

If you play racket sports, use the proper equipment for your size and skill level. You may want to consult a professional to be sure you are using proper equipment and technique. You also can adjust the tension of the strings of your racket. A sports-medicine professional can teach you exercises that will stretch and strengthen tendons to prevent injury. Also, many specialists suggest using a forearm band placed one to two inches below the elbow to reduce tension on the affected tendons.