Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is an overuse injury of the tendons that attach the wrist extensor muscles to the lateral epicondyle (outer side of the elbow). It causes pain due to repetitive stress and tiny tears in the tendon, especially the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB) tendon.
Causes
* Repetitive wrist extension
* Repetitive gripping or twisting activities
* Playing racquet sports (tennis, badminton, squash)
* Heavy lifting
* Using vibrating tools (drills, hammers)
* Poor posture or ergonomics
* Sudden increase in activity or exercise
Symptoms
* Pain on the outer (lateral) side of the elbow
* Tenderness over the lateral epicondyle
* Pain while:
* Gripping objects
* Shaking hands
* Turning a doorknob
* Lifting a cup or kettle
* Twisting a screwdriver
* Weak grip strength
* Pain may radiate down the forearm
* Stiffness around the elbow, especially in the morning
