Tennis elbow

Content provided by Healthwise

Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is a condition in which tendon damage causes pain or soreness around the outside part of the elbow known as the lateral epicondyle. Symptoms are especially noticeable when the palm is turned up.

The muscles of the forearm, wrist, and hand attach at the elbow to the upper arm bone (humerus). Damage to the tendons around these muscles makes it painful to rotate the forearm and flex the wrist and fingers backwards.

Tennis elbow is usually caused by overuse from repeated hand and wrist movements. These movements are sometimes a part of everyday activities, such as using a screwdriver. Overuse can also result from playing sports, such as tennis or golf. Less often, tennis elbow is caused by a direct blow to the tendons.

Treatment for tennis elbow includes:

Resting the arm to allow the tendon to heal
Reducing pain and inflammation, such as by icing the area and taking ibuprofen.
Strengthening and stretching the muscles to help recovery and prevent further injury.

A person may need to change or stop activities that make the condition worse. Surgery is rarely needed.

Credits

Print Email SHARE

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Print Email Twitter Facebook MySpace AIM More

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.