Condition: Tennis Elbow By: Jade Dennison What? Tennis elbow is a common condition in those who overuse their arms. It is inflammation on the outside of the elbow, where the tendons insert into the elbow bone. Tendons are tough bands of tissue that connect muscle to bone. The medical term for tennis elbow is Lateral Epicondylitis, which means inflammation at the bony prominence on the outer side of the elbow the epicondyle.

Where? The origin of the extensor muscles of the forearm from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus is where you can get Tennis Elbow.

When? Tennis elbow occurs when there is a problem with the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. These tendons are the attachment of the muscles that function to cock the wrist back.

How? The development of tennis elbow can often be traced to the way of using the forearm muscles. These muscles control hand and wrist movements. They are attached to tendons that connect them to only two small points of the bone just above the elbow, one on the outer side, and the other on the inner side.

Disorder: Fibromyalgia What? Fibromyalgia is a common syndrome of chronic widespread soft-tissue pain accompanied by weakness, fatigue and sleep disturbances; the cause is unknown.

Where? The pain of fibromyalgia is generally widespread, involving both sides of the body. Pain usually affects the neck, buttocks, shoulders, arms, the upper back, and the chest. "Tender points" are localized areas of the body that are tender to light touch. Fibromyalgia tender points, or pressure points, are commonly found around the elbows, shoulders, knees, hips, back of the head, and the sides of the breastbone and are typical signs of fibromyalgia.
When? You can develop fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) at any age, but, typically, a diagnosis will be made between the ages of 20 and 55. Fibromyalgia tends to hit people during their middle adult years.
How? Fibromyalgia can be hard to treat. It's important to find a doctor who has treated others with fibromyalgia. Many family doctors, general internists, or rheumatologists can treat fibromyalgia. Rheumatologists are doctors who treat arthritis and other conditions that affect the joints and soft tissues. Treatment often requires a team approach. The team may include your doctor, a physical therapist, and possibly other health care providers.