Epicondylitis is an inflammation, soreness, or pain on the outside (lateral) or inside (medial) side of the upper arm near the elbow. There may be a partial tear of the tendon fibers connecting the arm muscles to the bone, at or near their point of origin on the outside and or inside of the elbow. The condition is due to repeated motions of the wrist or forearm.
Lateral Epicondylitis (Fig. 1) is the most common form of the problem and is typically associated with tennis playing, hence the name "tennis elbow." However, any activity that involves repetitive twisting of the wrist (like using a screwdriver) can lead to this condition.
Medial Epicondylitis (Fig. 2) affects the inside of the elbow and it is also known as “golfers elbow”. Playing golf alone is not the main cause for this condition. Many other repetitive activities can also lead to golfer's elbow; pitching, chopping wood with an ax, running a chain saw, and using some types of hand tools. Any activities that stress the same forearm and wrist muscles can cause symptoms of golfer's elbow.
Wrist Extensor Stretch (Fig 3)
1- Hold your left arm out at shoulder height. Hold your palm in, fingers down.
2- Put your right hand across the front of your right hand & gently pull your right hand towards you. Don’t bend your fingertips
3- Hold for 10 seconds. Now switch hands and repeat 5 times with each hand
