What does epicondylitis mean?
Epicondylitis is a medical term for painful inflammation of the soft tissues around an epicondyle — one of the bony prominences on either side of the elbow where forearm muscles attach. Repetitive strain is the usual cause: forceful gripping, twisting motions, or sustained use of the wrist and fingers can inflame these attachment points. Clinicians distinguish two forms: lateral epicondylitis, popularly called tennis elbow, which affects the outside of the elbow, and medial epicondylitis, known as golfer's elbow, which affects the inside. Despite the sporting nicknames, most sufferers are not athletes; office workers, manual labourers, and musicians are equally susceptible. Treatment typically involves rest, bracing, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory measures, with surgery reserved for persistent cases. The word derives from Greek roots meaning "upon a knuckle," reflecting the anatomy involved. Though technical in register, it is worth knowing because it names precisely what vague terms like "elbow pain" cannot.
nounA painful inflammation of the tissues surrounding an epicondyle of the humerus, typically caused by repetitive strain of the forearm muscles. It occurs in two main forms: tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis).
- Inflammation of the soft tissue around an epicondyle of the humerus, especially from overuse — occurring as lateral (tennis elbow) or medial (golfer's elbow) epicondylitis.
"After months of typing without breaks, she developed epicondylitis in her right arm and had to wear a supportive brace."
"The physiotherapist diagnosed lateral epicondylitis and prescribed eccentric strengthening exercises."
"Repetitive lifting at the warehouse left him with medial epicondylitis, commonly known as golfer's elbow."
The plural follows the Greek pattern for nouns ending in -itis (as in arthritis/arthritis → arthritides), but it is seldom used; clinicians more often speak of cases of epicondylitis or specify the type.
"Both patients presented with epicondylitides of the dominant arm."
You don't have to play tennis to get 'tennis elbow' — most people diagnosed with it have never held a racket.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of epicondylitis
Epicondylitis is built from three elements of Greek origin: "epi-" (upon), "kondylos" (knuckle or joint knob), and the suffix "-itis," denoting inflammation. The underlying anatomical term "epicondyle" entered English medical vocabulary via New Latin in the nineteenth century, and "epicondylitis" was coined by physicians applying the standard inflammatory suffix to that structure. Cognates sharing the same root include "condyle" itself and "epicondyle." The word reflects the classical tradition of medical nomenclature, in which Greek roots combine to name anatomical sites precisely.
How epicondylitis is actually used
A formal medical term used chiefly in clinical and sporting contexts. The everyday terms "tennis elbow" and "golfer's elbow" are far more common in general speech; "epicondylitis" is preferred in medical writing because it specifies the affected site. Plural form is "epicondylitides" but is rarely encountered.
Easily confused with epicondylitis
Osteochondritis is inflammation of bone and cartilage, whereas epicondylitis specifically affects the soft tissues around an epicondyle of the humerus.