Doctor's Notes on Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow is medically known as lateral epicondylitis. It is caused by inflammation of the tendon that attaches muscle to the bony projection (called the epicondyle) on the outside of the elbow. While it occurs in some people who play racquet sports, other activities are associated with the development of tennis elbow as well. For example, job activities that involve frequent use of the forearm muscles, such as meat cutting, painting, plumbing, or weaving are also associated with the development of tennis elbow.
Associated symptoms of tennis elbow include mild pain that is worsened by pressing on the affected area and by lifting objects, particularly with extension of the wrist. The pain may worsen with time and in severe cases, even small movements of the elbow joint may cause pain.
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REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.