Lateral Epicondylitis, more commonly referred to as Tennis Elbow, is an inflammation or swelling of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. This inflammation causes pain near the outside portion of the elbow bone or slightly in front of it. Many times, the pain will move into the forearm. Pain is usually increased with grabbing or picking up objects and/or when bending the wrist backward. You might also notice weakness in the forearm muscles when performing normal daily activities.
It is usually caused by repetitive strain or overuse of the many muscles of the forearm and tendons around the elbow, which creates small tears in the muscles which eventually lead to scar tissue formation as well as pain and inflation. It is commonly seen in tennis players, computer users, and manual laborers, where repetitive motion occurs.
