Elbow in 6: Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

Less commonly, the elbow is affected by ligament injury, nerve entrapment, or joint degeneration. This page reviews the elbow's anatomy, common conditions, assessment approaches, and general exercise and recovery patterns. Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is degenerative irritation of the tendons attaching to the outer bony bump of the elbow, most often related to repetitive wrist extension and gripping rather than tennis specifically.

Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a similar condition affecting the tendons on the inner side of the elbow, associated with repetitive gripping and wrist flexion activities. Is elbow tendinopathy an inflammatory condition? Research has shown that chronically affected tendons often show degenerative changes with little active inflammation, which is part of why the term tendinopathy is now often preferred over the older term tendinitis.

How long does tennis elbow typically take to resolve? Many cases improve substantially within six to twelve weeks with activity modification and progressive loading exercise, though some persist for six months or longer without proper management. Cubital tunnel syndrome involves compression of the ulnar nerve as it passes behind the inner elbow, producing numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers.