Lateral epicondylitis, also known as the tennis player's elbow, is a condition that manifests with pain in the side of the elbow, pain caused by overstrain or repetitive movements. In general, tennis and other sports in which a racket is used cause the appearance of lateral epicondylitis.

Lateral epicondylitis occurs when the tendons of the forearm muscles that are inserted on the lateral epicondyle of the elbow are inflamed.

Besides tennis there are other activities or professions that repeatedly strain the muscles and tendons of the forearm, such as: painters, plumbers, chefs, butchers, car mechanics, professions that predispose to the appearance of lateral epicondylitis.

Thus, the repeated use of the same muscles causes injuries to the joint, which leads to sensitivity and pain on the outside of the elbow.

The elbow joint consists of 3 bones:

➢ arm bone: humerus
➢ the 2 bones of the forearm: radius and ulna.
The distal extremity of the humerus, also called the epiphysis, articulates with the radius and ulna and presents an articular part called the condyle of the humerus and a non-articular part, epicondyl, lateral and medial. Ligaments, muscles and tendons stabilize the elbow joint .
In lateral epicondylitis, lesions occur at the level of the tendons of the extensor muscles of the fingers and hand, the tendons that are attached to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow.
Usually the tendon involved in lateral epicondylitis is the tendon of the short lateral muscle of the carp, which is the main extensor of the first joint.

Avoid activities or movements that cause or accentuate the pain. Usually the pain is caused by repetitive movement as it happens in certain sports or by catching an object or by carrying shopping or excessive use of the mouse.

To facilitate recovery, the affected upper limb should no longer be used in the activity that causes pain, for several weeks. You can opt for using a support for the elbow, such as an orthosis, which is fixed under the elbow and which allows the muscles and tendons to rest.

Alternative applications of ice and heat help reduce pain and inflammation. To protect the skin, both ice and heat are wrapped in a thin towel before application.

Anti-inflammatory and pain relievers (ibuprofen, paracetamol, etc.) significantly help relieve inflammation and pain. They are recommended but for short periods of time, 7-14 days maximum.

Physiotherapy is an extremely important adjuvant treatment of this condition, mainly using electrotherapy (a form of therapy that regains the full functionality of the tendon and muscular unit), which includes: TECAR therapy, ultrasound and laser.

An exercise program will be started to pursue both stretching and strengthening (toning) of the affected tendon and muscles.

The key to tendon healing is proper loading of the upper limb through specific strength exercises.
Thus, an exercise program that gradually loads the tendon is essential for its recovery (charging too little does not help the tendon to heal and too much loading will cause the tendon to become further inflamed). Tendons heal at a double rate than that of the muscles, but often the symptoms improve quite quickly.

➢ Before a physical activity, insist both on proper warming-up, as well as on light stretching.

➢ In tennis, preferably, a suitable and easy equipment is used. A proper tennis racket can reduce the pressure on the forearm

➢ The advice of a coach is sought both to learn/correct the playing technique and to avoid overloading the muscles

➢ At the desk try to support the forearm on the desk

➢ Breaks and rest are necessary when pain occurs in the elbow.