Understanding Lateral Epicondylitis

Adult Health Library

Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Lateral epicondylitis affects the tendons that connect muscles in the forearm to the lateral epicondyle. This is the bony knob on the outer side of the elbow. The condition occurs if the extensor tendons of the wrist become painful and swollen (irritated). This can cause pain in the elbow, forearm, and wrist. Because the condition is sometimes caused by playing tennis, it's also called tennis elbow.

Side view of forearm with hand palm-side up, showing muscles and bones.

How to say it

LA-ter-uhl eh-pih-KAWN-duh-LI-tihs

What causes lateral epicondylitis?

The condition most often occurs because of overuse. This can be from any activity that repeatedly puts stress on the forearm extensor muscles or tendons and wrist. For instance, playing tennis, lifting weights, cutting meat, painting, and typing can all cause the condition. Wear and tear of the tendons from aging or an injury to the tendons can also cause the condition.

Symptoms of lateral epicondylitis

The most common symptom is pain. You may feel it on the outer side of the elbow and down the back of the forearm. It may be worse when moving or using the elbow, forearm, or wrist. You may also feel pain when gripping or lifting things.

Treatment for lateral epicondylitis

Treatments may include:

Resting the elbow, forearm, and wrist. You’ll need to avoid movements that can make your symptoms worse. You also may need to stay away from certain sports and types of work for a time. This helps relieve symptoms and prevent further damage to the tendons.
Changing the action that caused the problem. For instance, if the tendons were damaged from playing tennis, it may help to change your playing method or use different equipment. This helps prevent further damage to the tendons.
Using cold packs. Putting an ice pack on the injured area can help reduce pain and swelling.
Taking pain medicines. Taking prescription or over-the-counter pain medicines may help reduce pain and swelling. They may be given as pills. Or they may be put on the skin as a gel, cream, or patch.
Wearing a brace. This helps reduce strain on the muscles and tendons in the forearm, which may relieve symptoms. It's very important to wear the brace correctly.
Doing exercises and physical therapy. These help improve strength and range of motion in the elbow, forearm, and wrist.
Getting shots of medicine into the injured area. These may help relieve symptoms for a time.
Having surgery. This may be a choice if other treatments fail to relieve symptoms. In many cases, the surgeon removes the damaged tissue.