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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffTennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is one of several overuse injuries that can affect your elbow. As you might assume, playing tennis is one cause of tennis elbow — but many other common activities can cause tennis elbow.
The pain of tennis elbow occurs primarily where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony prominence on the outside of your elbow (lateral epicondyle). Pain can also spread into your forearm and wrist.
The pain of tennis elbow doesn't have to keep you from enjoying your favorite activities. Rest and over-the-counter pain relievers often help. Rarely, surgery is needed.
Symptoms
References
- Jayanthi N. Epicondylitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 4, 2008.
- Sheon RP. Patient information: Elbow tendonitis (tennis and golf elbow). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 4, 2008.
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00068&return_link=0. Accessed Aug. 4, 2008.
- Calfee RP, et al. Management of lateral epicondylitis: Current concepts. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2008;16(1):19-29.
- Assendelft W, Clinical review: Tennis elbow. BMJ. 2003;327(7410):329-330.
