Date updated: June 01, 2009
Content provided by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Also called: Tennis Elbow, Plasterer's Elbow, Mechanic's Elbow, Painter's Elbow

Tennis Elbow or Plasterer’s Elbow or Mechanic’s Elbow or Painter’s Elbow is the Lateral Epicondylitis of Humerus caused by repetitive actions which puts a strain on the epicondyle of the humerous. Tennis Elbow is a degenerative condition of the tendon fibers that attach on the bony prominence (epicondyle) on the outside (lateral side) of the elbow. The tendons involved are responsible for anchoring the muscles that extend or lift the wrist and hand. Chronic overuse leads to tendon degeneration, which is painful.

Cause:

Tennis Elbow happens mostly in patients between 30 years and 50 years of age. It can occur in any age group. Tennis Elbow can affect as many as half of athletes in racquet sports. However, most patients with Tennis Elbow are not active in racquet sports. Most of the time, there is not a specific traumatic injury before symptoms start. Many individuals with Tennis Elbow are involved in work or recreational activities that require repetitive and vigorous use of the forearm muscle. Some common activities that lead to Lateral Epicondylitis of Humerus include "Recreational: Tennis (ground strokes), racquetball, squash, fencing, etc, Occupational: Meat cutting, plumbing, painting, raking, weaving, etc". Symptoms of Tennis Elbow include "Severe, burning pain on the outside part of the elbow". In most cases, the pain starts in a mild and slow fashion. It gradually worsens over weeks or months. The pain can be made worse by pressing on the outside part of the elbow or by gripping or lifting objects. Lifting even very light objects (such as a small book or a cup of coffee) can lead to significant discomfort. In more severe cases, pain can occur with simple motion of the elbow joint. Pain can radiate to the forearm.