Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is an inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow caused by repetitive motions like tennis, volleyball, or computer use. It causes pain on the outside of the elbow and weakness when grasping. Resting the elbow and avoiding aggravating activities for 2-3 weeks is the first treatment, along with icing, anti-inflammatory medication, and exercises to maintain flexibility and strength once healing begins.

1. By Shay Mortenson

2.  Tennis elbow is inflammation, soreness, or
pain on the outside side of the upper arm
near the elbow.
 There may be a partial tear of the tendon
fibers, which connect muscle to bone. The
tear may be at or near where these fibers
begin, on the outside of the elbow.

3.  When you use these muscles a lot, small tears
develop in the tendon. This leads to irritation
and pain where the tendon is attached to the
bone.
 This injury is most common in athletes who
play a lot of tennis, baseball, volleyball, or
golf

5.  Any activity that involves twisting of the wrist
can lead to this condition.
 This condition may also be due to constant
computer keyboard and mouse use.

6.  Elbow pain that gradually gets worse
 Pain from the outside of the elbow to the
forearm and back of the hand when grasping
or twisting
 Weak grasp

7.  The first step is to rest your arm and avoid
the activity that causes your symptoms for at
least 2 - 3 weeks. You may also want to:
 Put ice on the outside of your elbow 2 - 3
times a day.
 Take anti-inflammatory medications (such as
ibuprofen, or aspirin).

8.  Apply an ice pack to the outside of the elbow
 Maintain good strength and flexibility in the
arm muscles and avoid repetitive motions
 Rest the elbow when bending and
straightening are painful

10.  Ice where it hurts
 Take medication
 Get good rest
 Takes at least 2 to 3 weeks to heal

11.  Regan WD, Grondin PP, Morrey BF. Elbow and
forearm. In: DeLee JC, Drez D Jr., Miller
MD, eds. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic
Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa:
Saunders Elsevier;2009:chap 19.
 Schmidt MJ, Adams SL. Tendinopathy and
bursitis. In: Marx JA, ed. Rosen's Emergency
Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th
ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:
chap 115.