Epicondylitis

Epicondylitis is the inflammation of an epicondyle or of adjacent tissues. Epicondyles are on the medial and lateral aspects of the elbow, consisting of the two bony prominences at the distal end of the humerus. These bony projections serve as the attachment point for the forearm musculature. Inflammation to the tendons and muscles at these attachment points can lead to medial and/or lateral epicondylitis. This can occur through a range of factors that overuse the muscles that attach to the epicondyles, such as sports or job-related duties that increase the workload of the forearm musculature and place stress on the elbow. Lateral epicondylitis is also known as "Tennis Elbow" due to its sports related association to tennis athletes, while medial epicondylitis is often referred to as "golfer's elbow."

== Risk factors == In a cross-sectional population-based study among the working population, it was found that psychological distress and bending and straightening of the elbow joint for >1hr per day were associated risk factors to epicondylitis. Another study revealed the following potential risk factors among the working population: Force and repetitive motions (handling tools >1 kg, handling loads >20 kg at least 10 times/day, repetitive movements >2 h/day) were found to be associated with the occurrence of lateral epicondylitis. Low job control and low social support were also found to be associated with lateral epicondylitis. Exposures of force (handling loads >5 kg, handling loads >20 kg at least 10 times/day, high hand grip forces >1 h/day), repetitiveness (repetitive movements for >2 h/day) and vibration (working with vibrating tools >2 h/day) were associated with medial epicondylitis. In addition to repetitive activities, obesity and smoking have been implicated as independent risk factors.