Overview

Tennis elbow” is a term that describes soreness or pain on the outer (lateral) part of the elbow. While tennis elbow is common, playing tennis is only one of many activities that can result in this tendon injury. Also called lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow occurs when there is tendon damage at the elbow where some of the forearm and hand muscles connect to the upper arm bone. It affects the muscles you use when extending your wrist and fingers

Symptoms

Tennis elbow symptoms usually begin gradually. The main symptom is pain, which may begin with a dull aching or soreness on the outer part of the elbow that goes away within 24 hours after an activity. As time goes on, it may take longer for the pain to go away. The condition may further progress to pain with any movement, even during everyday activities, such as lifting a jug of milk. Pain may spread to the hand, other parts of the arm, shoulder, or neck (referred pain).
Tennis elbow pain:

• Usually occurs in the dominant arm (your right arm if you are right-handed, left arm if you are left-handed).
• Affects the outside of the elbow (the side away from your body). Pain increases when that area is pressed or when you are grasping or twisting objects.
• May increase in the evening and make Sleep difficult. The elbow might be stiff in the morning.
• Eventually occurs with mild activity, such as picking up a coffee cup; turning a jar lid, doorknob, or key; or shaking hands. Simply starting your car could hurt. You may even have pain when you aren't using your elbow.
Other parts of the arm, shoulder, and neck may also become sore or painful as the body tries to make up for the loss of elbow movement and strength.

Causes
Overuse of the forearm muscles using a repeated twisting motion is the most common cause of tennis elbow. These movements are common to various occupations such as carpentry or plumbing, and many daily activities such as yard work and lifting objects. Racquet and throwing sports, swimming, and golf can also lead to tennis elbow.
Tennis elbow injuries can result from:
• Overuse. Repeated movements that involve twisting of the elbow cause small tears in the tendon, weakening it. Overuse depends on how hard or how long you do something.
• A single accident, such as a direct hit to the side of the elbow (lateral epicondyle), or falling on an outstretched arm.
In sports, tennis elbow can also result from using the wrong type of equipment or improper technique. For example, a tennis racquet with a grip too large or small for your hand can put a lot of pressure on your tendon. Hitting the ball late in your swing can also lead to tendon damage.

Treatment

• Ice Packs: Ice packs applied over the elbow joint for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours can reduce pain and swelling around the elbow joint area.
• Zostrix: Is a derivative of hot pepper. It can be wrapped around the elbow joint to reduce sensation of pain.
• Heat Packs: Alternating ice packs with heat packs can comfort the elbow joint.
• Potato Pack: Warm and baked potatoes can help reduce the pain.