Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow):

• Lateral epicondylitis is caused when there is damage to the tendons that attach on the outside of the elbow.  These tendons belong to the muscles found on the posterior forearm.

• This is commonly a cause of an overuse injury to these tendons, which commonly occur with repetitive wrist extension.  A direct trauma to the elbow can also cause damage to the tendon.

• Symptoms of lateral epicondylitis include a gradual onset of a dull achy pain on the outside of the elbow, tenderness, and morning stiffness.  Over time, degeneration of the tissue can occur, which can cause chronic pain and it is now termed lateral epicondylosis. 

Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow):

• Medial epicondylitis is caused when there is damage to the tendons that attach on the inside of the elbow.  These tendons belong to the muscles found on the anterior forearm.

• This is commonly a cause of an overuse injury to these tendons, which commonly occur with repetitive wrist flexion and pronation.

• Symptoms include gradual onset of pain and tenderness over the inside of the elbow.  Over time, degeneration of the tissue can occur, which can cause chronic pain and is now termed medial epicondylosis.

Little League Elbow:

• Little league elbow is an avulsion of the medial epicondlye of the humerus.  This can include many diseases/disorders including: Panner’s Disease, OCD, medial epicondyle fracture, apophysitis, posterior osteophyte formation, and medial ligament rupture.

• The most common cause of this disorder is repetitive overuse and stress overload.  This is common in children who are in the process of growing because the bone is immature and not as strong.

• Affected patients may experience pain with activity, stiffness, and restricted range of motion of the elbow.