Tennis elbow is a common term for a condition caused by overuse of arm, forearm, and hand muscles that results in elbow pain. You don’t have to play tennis to get this, but the term came into use because it can be a significant problem for some tennis players.

Tennis elbow is caused by either abrupt or subtle injury of the muscle and tendon area around the outside of the elbow. Tennis elbow specifically involves the area where the muscles and tendons of the forearm attach to the outside bony area (called the lateral epicondyle) of the elbow. Your doctor may call this condition lateral epicondylitis. Another common term, “golfer’s elbow,” refers to the same process occurring on the inside of the elbow — what your doctor may call medial epicondylitis. Overuse injury can also affect the back or posterior part of the elbow as well.

To reduce the pain and inflammation of tennis elbow, try:

•Rest and avoid any activity that causes pain.
•Apply ice to the affected area

The following stretch will help.

1.Extend your arm in front of you with your palm up.
2.Bend your wrist, pointing your hand toward the floor.
3.With your other hand, gently bend your wrist further until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your forearm.
4.Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.