What is lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and what are its symptoms?
Lateral epicondylitis – or “tennis elbow” – is the most common affliction of the elbow, affecting athletes who frequently perform repetitive motions. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary (28th edition, pg.564) describes epicondylitis as an inflammation of the epicondyle, or of the tissues adjoining the epicondyle of the humerus. So, what does all this mean? Simply put, it is an irritation of the small muscles of the forearm at the elbow. There is usually moderate to severe tenderness to touch over the lateral elbow. Pain is usually experienced with resistance to extension of the wrist. There is not a specific incident that initiated the pain although there are daily activities that may increase the pain. In the early stages there is little to no swelling over the area. In more severe cases there is often pain when picking up small objects or turning a doorknob. Even in these advanced stages the inflammation is rarely visible. Pain may be localized at the elbow and shoot down the forearm and in
