What causes Lateral Epicondylitis?
Overuse of the wrist extensors (muscles that pull the hand up) can create cumulative stress on the tendons that attach to the elbow at the outer part (the lateral epicondyle). This excessive stress may damage the muscle attachment and cause inflammation and pain. Generally, those who experience lateral epicondylitis perform activities with motion of the wrist and arm, or lifting while the palm is facing down. The condition is quite common in the late 30’s and early 40’s. In racket sports, intense gripping can lead to tennis elbow. It appears to be caused by lack of strength, inefficient technique, improper equipment or increasing playing time and intensity too quickly. In tennis, a common cause is a racquet’s inappropriate string tension and grip circumference. Rarely the inflammation comes on without any definite cause, and this may be due to arthritis, rheumatism or gout. Sometimes the problem is partly or completely due to a neck problem, which is causing pain in the elbow via the n
