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Elbow Pain—Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow Two of the most common elbow injuries are lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow). Tennis elbow is an injury of the muscles that extend the forearm. Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow. Motions that extend the arm (such as a tennis backhand) cause tennis elbow. Golfer’s elbow is an injury of the muscles that flex the forearm. Golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inside of the elbow. Motions that flex the arm (such as golfer’s swing) cause golfer’s elbow. Three bones come together at the elbow joint: humerus (the bone in the upper arm) and the ulna and radius (bones in the lower arm). Many muscles and tendons attach to these bones to give you movement in the elbow joint and forearm. You experience tennis or golfer’s elbow when small tears occur in the muscles and tendons that control the movement of the elbow joint and forearm. These micro-tears cause restriction of movement, inflammation, and pain. Micro-tears eventually lead to the formation of scar tissue and calcium deposits, which can cut off the blood flow and pinch the nerves responsible for controlling the muscles in the forearm. Causes The most common cause of tennis or golfer’s elbow is overuse. Any action that places a repetitive and prolonged strain on the forearm muscles, together with inadequate rest, will tend to strain and overwork those muscles. Other causes include: • Direct injury, such as a bump or fall onto the elbow. • Poor technique (get instruction from an expert!). • Ill-fitted equipment, such as tennis racquets, golf clubs, and work tools. • Low levels of general fitness and conditioning. Symptoms Pain is the most common and obvious symptom of tennis or golfer’s Copyright ©2007-2010, Carol Wiley, Bold Visions, LLC. All Rights Reserved.