Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is a painful condition involving the tendon over the elbow on lateral aspect. The pain originates at or near the site of attachment of the common extensors to the lateral epicondyle and may radiate into the forearm and dorsum of the wrist. () The pain they have is usually chronic in nature and more bothersome than disabling. Tenderness is located over the lateral humeral epicondyle. This is most marked when done with the elbow extended. The area of maximal tenderness is usually an area just distal to the origin of the extensor muscles of the forearm at the lateral epicondyle. () The tendon of the extensor carpi radialis brevis is the most common site of the lesion, but others may include the …show more content…
It is unclear if a grip that is sized too small or too large contributes to the development of lateral epicondylitis. However a recent, very small study by Rossi et al revealed that there may be an optimal grip size to reduce grip forces as well as reduce extensor tendon loading during a tennis stroke.[7] In addition, string vibration dampeners have not been shown to decrease the incidence of lateral epicondylitis.[8]

Industrial athletes have certain occupational and leisure activities that lead to overuse injuries of the forearm wrist extensors, causing pain at the lateral epicondyle. These include carpenters, bricklayers, seamstresses and tailors, politicians (excessive handshaking), and musicians (eg, pianists, drummers). Such occupations are at greater risk because of repetitive motion at the elbow or pain may begin after a sudden, traumatic movement of the elbow or wrist ()
Common causes and risk factors of lateral epicondylitis include repeated microtrauma and chronic inflammation caused by overuse, repetitive use with weak shoulder and hand muscles which greatly increases risk, microtears in tendon are thought to lead to a hypervascular phenomenon resulting in pain, routine use of arm or injury to this area may stress or damage the muscle …show more content…
For instance, work and recreation may need radical modification in severe cases. Patients will have to learn when to stop and take breaks and how to do appropriate exercises; take regular, gentle exercise; and avoid heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, and excessive keyboard use for work and recreation. Patients will also need to modify their physical activity to prevent reoccurrence and avoid complications. Physical therapists can advise patients on rest and ice; exercise programs to regain and maintain strength and mobility and to relieve stress; how to modify all relevant activities (eg, heavy lifting); and how to improve conditions and techniques in the workplace, at home, and at recreation, including sports. Furthermore, patients must be assessed fully before they embark on hard physical activity (eg, gymnasium exercise and weight-training programs). Middle-age patients are at particularly high risk of injury from sudden, untrained activity. Qualified exercise teachers can guide beginners and advise on first taking gentle exercise and doing warm-up exercises. Many workplaces provide guidance on safe working practices and, in many countries, are legally bound to provide adequate environmental conditions. The total forces exerted on a joint, as well as the cycle time, need to be measured in order to assess workplace injuries to the musculoskeletal system. In one study,