Tennis Elbow (lateral epcondylitis)
Tennis Elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is a very common form of tendinitis that occurs in at a specific area on the lateral elbow. The cause of this condition is believed not to be inflammatory in nature, but may be related to sustained overuse of the forearm, called repetitive trauma. In some instances, the condition may be work-related, or sports-related as well. Although the name implies a direct correlation with the sport of tennis, you do not have to play tennis to get this condition.
Sports-related activities such as racquetball, squash, tennis, and even golf may strain the extensor muscles as they attach to the elbow. In addition, carrying heavy loads with the arms extended and palms facing up may cause tennis elbow symptoms. Repeatedly extending the wrists and fingers also may cause symptoms.

The tenderness and degenerative changes to this area on the outside of the elbow occur at the point of attachment of the tendons and muscles that straighten out the wrist and fingers. These extensor tendons arise from the lateral epicondyle (or outside elbow bump), and receive small, traumatic tears over time, leading to this painful condition.
The two figures on the left illustrate the origin of the forearm's extensor muscles at the lateral epicondyle. Pain will seem to radiate from this area on the lateral elbow (at or near the black dot).

Examination of the lateral elbow area in a patient with Tennis Elbow will reveal soreness in a rather defined area over the elbow’s lateral epicondyle. When diagnosing Tennis Elbow, it is important to rule out nerve compression or bone fractures that may have occurred in this area.

Treatment methods for Tennis Elbow will depend upon the severity of the patient’s symptoms. Sometimes oral anti-inflammatory medications may provide relief of mild Tennis Elbow symptoms. In addition, an injection into this area with a cortico-steroid medication may also improve symptoms. Usually a long wrist splint that keeps the hand in a neutral position will limit the movements of the hand and allow the symptoms to subside. Sometimes a lateral forearm band (also called a Tennis Elbow band or splint) may relieve symptoms by providing support and placing mild pressure on the extensor muscle area.

When conservative measures are not effective in relieving symptoms, surgery may be recommended. During surgery a small incision is made over the lateral elbow area, allowing the surgeon to explore the extensor tendon origin on the humerus (upper arm bone). Degenerative tissue is removed at this time.