Rehabilitation Physical Therapy

Call 718.863.DAZA (3292)
for a complimentary assessment today!

medical library

Request an Appointment

Contact Us

1578 Williamsbridge Road, Suite 3D Bronx, NY 10461
• Tel: 718-863-DAZA
718-863-3292

• Fax: 718-863-3290

Welcome to the comprehensive medical library of Rehabilitation Physical Therapy. The information shared below is provided to you as an educational and informational source only and is not intended to replace a medical examination or consultation, or medical advice given to you by a physician or medical professional.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding any condition or treatment, please contact Rehabilitation Physical Therapy. To schedule an appointment please call Rehabilitation Physical Therapy (718-863-3292) or use our online Request an Appointment form.

What Is Tennis Elbow?Epicondilitis lateral

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Cutaway view of elbow

Image of woman
Repeated twisting of a screwdriver can cause problems over time.

Tennis elbow (also called lateral epicondylitis) is an inflammation around the bony knob (lateral epicondyle) on the outer side of the elbow. It occurs when the tissue that attaches muscle to the bone becomes irritated.

Your Lateral Epicondyle

The muscles that allow you to straighten your fingers and rotate your lower arm and wrist are called the extensor muscles. These muscles extend from the outer side of your elbow to your wrist and fingers. A cordlike fiber called a tendon attaches the extensor muscles to the elbow. Overuse or an accident can cause tissue in the tendon to become inflamed or injured.

Causes

Playing a racket sport can cause tennis elbow. So can doing anything that involves extending your wrist or rotating your forearm-such as twisting a screwdriver or lifting heavy objects with your palm down. With age, the tissue may become inflamed more easily.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of tennis elbow is pain on the outer side of the elbow and down the forearm. You may have pain all the time or only when you lift things. The elbow may also swell, get red, or feel warm to the touch. And it may hurt to grip things, turn your hand, or swing your arm.

The Road to Healing

To prevent a flare-up after treatment, you may need to change the way you do some things. Gripping with the palm up, lifting heavy objects with both hands, or varying activities throughout the day will help reduce stress on the tendon.

Publication Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Publication Source: University of Virginia Health System

Online Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Online Source: University of Virginia Health System

Date Last Reviewed: 2007-01-15T00:00:00-07:00

Date Last Modified: 2008-09-04T00:00:00-06:00