Epicondylitis (Tennis or golfer's elbow)
Lateral Epicondylitis - Tennis Elbow
It is inflammation or degeneration of the tendon that attaches to the bony bit (lateral epicondyle) on the outside of the arm or elbow. A common cause in tennis is poor backhand technique or a grip that is too small. A small grip will mean the muscles in the elbow must work harder and become inflamed. The majority of people getting tennis elbow are between 40 and 50 yrs but it can affect athletes of any age.
Medial Epicondylitis - Golfer's Elbow
The medial epicondyle is the funny bone on the inside of the elbow. The muscles that bend the wrist down start at this point. Forceful and repeated bending of the wrist and fingers cause tiny ruptures of the muscle and tendon to this area. Golfing is only one of the causes of pain at this bone. In the golf swing, the flexor muscles and tendons must tighten to hit the ball. Similar tasks that require repeated bending of the wrist, gripping, grasping and turning the hand are common activities that cause medial epicondylitis. Small tears in the muscle begin to heal but when re-injured by continued use, become scarred and become painful. Both of these conditions may lead to pain, swelling, decreased grip strength, and difficulties with normal daily function.