Definition- Inflammation of muscles, tendons, bursa, or covering to bones (periosteum) at the elbow.

Body Parts Involved- Elbow muscles, tendons and one or both of the epicondyles (bony part where the muscles of the forearm attach to the bone of the upper arm.)

Signs & Symptoms-

• Pain and tenderness over the epicondyles.  Pain worsens with gripping or rotation of the forearm.
• Weak grip.
• pain when twisting the hand and arm, as when playing tennis or throwing.

• Chronic stress on the tissues that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow area.
• Sudden stress on the forearm.
• Wrist snap when serving balls in racket sports.
• Incorrect grip.
• Incorrect hitting position.
• Using a racket or club that is too heavy.

• Don't play sports, such as tennis, for long periods until your forearm muscles are strong.
• Do forearm conditioning exercises to build your strength gradually.
• Warm up slowly and completely before competition.
• Use a tennis-elbow strap when you resume normal activity after treatment.

• Complete ligament tear, requiring surgery to repair.
• Slow healing.
• Frequent recurrences.

Medication:  For minor discomfort, you may use: Aspirin or ibuprofen,
and topical ointments.

Rehabilitation:  Begin daily rehab exercises when supportive wrapping is no longer needed.  Resume normal activity after pain has subsided.