Common Causes of Lateral Epicondylitis

Common Causes of Lateral Epicondylitis
Lateral epicondylitis is commonly referred to as tennis elbow. The condition affects
the extensor tendon. The main cause of lateral epicondylitis is repeated stress on the elbow
tendons (Lippert, 2017). The stress on the elbow tendons can result from the use of certain
tools or playing certain sports. Activities that put too much stress on the extensor carpi
radialis brevis can result in lateral epicondylitis (Samagh, Sudhakar, & Jindal, 2015. People
who play tennis are susceptible to this injury. Activities that require the repetitive and
vigorous use of the forearm can cause the condition. Painters, plumbers, and carpenters may
develop lateral epicondylitis. Butchers who overwork their fore arm muscles can also get the
condition. Repetitive weight lifting can lead to the tennis elbow.
Close Captioning Video
I selected YouTube to access a video that educates on lateral epicondylitis. The link ti
the video is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z50T8J5mQEE.
How the Change can Affect Daily Life
The quality of life can generally be affected by lateral epicondylitis. Lateral
epicondylitis is both painful and disabling. One can thus not participate in daily routine
activities. In the case study, Alvin cannot play golf and racquet ball. He may also not be able
to work efficiently. Accomplishing normal activities using the hand may be extremely
difficult. The quality of life can be affected from both a physical and mental dimension. With

the constant pain, it is difficult to concentrate on his work. Functional disability is also
affected by lateral epicondylitis. It is important for the patient to take a rest and ensure that
they do not engage in any activity that causes pain to the affected region (Saremi, Chamani,
& Vahab-Kashani, 2016). Use of ice can help ease the pain and in so doing help the patient to
accomplish various activities.
Another effective treatment that can help the patient to accomplish their daily
activities is the use of counterforce straps. A strap can have an effective pain-relieving effect
on the affected area (Saremi, Chamani, & Vahab-Kashani, 2016). When one is undertaking
daily activities while having Lateral Epicondylitis, counterforce can help relieve the pain and
ensure that the patient accomplishes daily activities (Saremi, Chamani, & Vahab-Kashani,
2016). Use of counterforce has proven to be effective compared to other methods such as the
use of medication. A double-layered pressure pad can help ensure that there is enough
compression in the affected area and this would increase pain-free grip strength.

References

Lippert, L. (2017). Clinical kinesiology and anatomy (6th ed.). Retrieved from
https://redshelf.com
Samagh, P., Sudhakar, K., & Jindal, R. (2015). The impact of lateral epicondylitis on quality
of life. International Journal of Physiotherapy, 2(4), 627-632.
Saremi, H., Chamani, V., & Vahab-Kashani, R. (2016). A Newly Designed Tennis Elbow
Orthosis With a Traditional Tennis Elbow Strap in Patients With Lateral
Epicondylitis. Trauma monthly, 21(3), e35993.
https://doi.org/10.5812/traumamon.35993