Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is inflammation of the origin of the muscles responsible for turning the hand palm upwards and straightening, or extending, the wrist. These muscles are joined by a tendon to the lateral epicondyle - a bony projection - on the outside of the lower end of the humerus in the elbow joint. There is pain on the outside of the elbow joint on turning the hand outwards, particularly against resistance. The pain may spread down the forearm. The cause is sprain or strain of the ligament, usually as a result of trauma, though rarely due to tennis. While the pain may subside over time without treatment, it may be helped by injection with steroid to reduce the inflammation (though this sometimes worsens symptoms). Physiotherapy may help, as may using a specifically designed elbow support.
 
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