Tennis Elbow
aka Epitrochlear bursitis; Lateral epicondylitis; Epicondylitis
Tennis elbow is inflammation, soreness, or pain on the outside (lateral) side of the upper arm near the elbow.
There may be a partial tear of the tendon fibers, which connect muscle to bone. The tear may be at or near where these fibers begin, on the outside of the elbow.
Symptoms: Elbow pain that gradually worsens, Pain radiating from the outside of the elbow to the forearm and back of the hand when grasping or twisting, and/or a weak grasp.
The diagnosis is made based on signs and symptoms, because x-rays are usually normal. Often there will be pain or tenderness when the tendon is gently pressed near where it attaches to the upper arm bone, over the outside of the elbow.
There is also pain near the elbow when the wrist is extended (bent backwards, like revving a motorcycle engine) against resistance.
X-rays are rarely needed.
Golfer's Elbow
Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is an inflammatory condition of the elbow in some ways similar to tennis elbow.
The condition is called Golfer's Elbow because in making a golf swing this tendon is stressed, especially if a non-overlapping (baseball style) grip is used; many people, however, who develop the condition have never handled a golf club. It is also sometimes called Pitcher's Elbow due to the same tendon being stressed by the throwing of objects such as a baseball, but this usage is much less frequent. Other names are Climber's Elbow and Little League Elbow: All of the flexors of the fingers insert at the medial epichondyle, making this the most common elbow injury for rock climbers, whose sport is very grip intensive.
