Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a type of tendonitis that affects the outer (or “lateral”) part of your elbow. This condition is usually a result of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles at the elbow becoming inflamed and painful. The name “tennis elbow” is used as it was commonly caused by repetitive motions of the arm or wrist, like the swinging of a tennis racket. Despite its commonly used name, tennis elbow can happen to anyone through repetitive and strenuous overuse of the forearm and wrist such as:

 

• Repetitive lifting or gripping

• Using power tools

• Sports like tennis, racquetball, hockey, badminton, or even golf, that use a racquet or a stick acting as a lever on the forearm muscles, and any repetitive use of the hand

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The pain is generally felt in the bump on the outside of your elbow (known as the lateral epicondyle) where the tendons of the forearm attach, but can be felt further towards the wrist as well. Symptoms of this condition include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, weak grip, and pain with activity that involves squeezing or lifting with the palm down.

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The condition is often due to tiny tears and inflammation within the tendon, which is painful when stressed. If left untreated, tennis elbow can last for a long time and interfere with many of the activities of daily living, as well as sports.