Lateral Epicondylitis, also known as "Tennis Elbow", is an overuse injury where the forearm extensor tendons become injured or inflamed at the humerus (upper arm bone).
This type of injury often occurs in sports like tennis, wushu broadsword, and others that involve frequent wrist extension.
Having weak forearms and training in a cold environment increases the risk of developing lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow).
Find information about other sports injuries at Injuries Main.
Description: Tennis Elbow – Lateral Epicondylitis
When you have weak forearms or elbows and perform exercises where you frequently extend both the arm and wrist at the same time, the tendons that connect the humerus (upper arm bone) to the forearm muscles can become injured.
This causes pain and weakness in the forearms and wrists.
The impact of a tennis ball can increase stress on the elbow, especially when the ball is hit too early.
That’s why this type of injury is most commonly seen in tennis players.
However, lateral epicondylitis is not limited to tennis — it also occurs in martial arts, squash, and other sports.
Symptoms: Tennis Elbow – Lateral Epicondylitis
- Pain on the outside of the elbow.
- Pain when pressure is applied.
- Weakness in the wrist, for example when using a screwdriver or extending your fingers against resistance.
- Pain on the outside of the elbow when trying to straighten the fingers against resistance.
The symptoms of lateral epicondylitis are similar to those of “radial nerve entrapment” and, in some cases, neck injuries, because the nerves travel from the neck to the hands.
Who Is Susceptible: Tennis Elbow – Lateral Epicondylitis
- Tennis players – especially when playing in cold environments or skipping warm-ups.
- Squash and badminton players
- Martial artists (e.g., wushu: broadsword, straightsword, etc.)
- Wing Chun and grappling practitioners
- Wrestlers
- Climbers
Treatment: Tennis Elbow – Lateral Epicondylitis
- Rest
- Consult a sports injury specialist
- Cold therapy: Apply ice to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Stretching and sports massage for the forearm muscles
- Strengthening exercises for the forearm muscles
- Use a tennis elbow support (Epicondylitis clasp)
- Heat retainers
- Ultrasound or laser therapy
- In severe cases: Steroid injections
- Surgery (only if necessary)
- Rehabilitation program
Advice: Tennis Elbow – Lateral Epicondylitis
- Always warm up your wrists and forearms before training.
- Strengthen your forearm muscles regularly.
- Avoid exercising in cold environments. If you must, wear long sleeves or use a heat retainer.
- Rest if your elbow already hurts.
Tennis elbow usually heals within 2–3 weeks, but if you don’t rest and wait too long, recovery can take much longer.
Related Topics
- Massage Techniques
- Reverse Wrist Curl
- Stretching
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