Lateral Epicondylitis

Key points

• Lateral epicondylitis typically follows unaccustomed activity such as house painting or playing tennis ('tennis elbow'). It is most common in people aged 45-55 years and typically affects the dominant arm. Features
• pain and tenderness localised to the lateral epicondyle
• pain worse on wrist extension against resistance with the elbow extended or supination of the forearm with the elbow extended
• episodes typically last between 6 months and 2 years. Patients tend to have acute pain for 6-12 weeks Management options
• advice on avoiding muscle overload