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Tennis elbow - Prevention

Alternative Names

Epitrochlear bursitis; Lateral epicondylitis; Epicondylitis - lateral

Prevention:

Maintain good strength and flexibility in the arm muscles or avoid repetitive motions. Rest the elbow when flexion and extension (bending and straightening) are painful. An ice pack applied to the outside of the elbow after repetitive motion may help alleviate symptoms.

Elbow - side view

Reviewed last on: 8/11/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Maternal & Child Health Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Biundo JJ. Bursitis, tendinitis, and other periarticular disorders, and sports medicine. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 284.

Geiderman JM. Humerus and elbow. In: Marx, JA, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006: chap 49.

Johnson GW, Cadwallader K, Scheffel SB, et al. Treatment of Lateral epicondylitis. Am Fam Physician. 2007;76(6):843-8.

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