A Quick Look at Anatomy: The elbow contains three separate joints:
The humeroulnar joint is a modified hinge joint that allows flexion and extension (Bending and straightening).
The humeroradial joint is a combined hinge and pivot joint that permits flexion and extension as well as rotation of the head of the radius on the humerus.
The proximal radioulnar joint facilitates rotation during supination and pronation(Turning palm up and down).
Bony stability is reinforced by the medial and lateral ligament complexes. These ligaments help to ensure joint stability during weightbearing as well as during high stress activities such as throwing a ball, swinging a golf club, swinging a tennis racket, etc..
Four muscle groups act on the elbow. Major flexors include the biceps brachii (which also supinates the forearm when the elbow is flexed), brachioradialis and brachialis muscles. The extensors are the triceps and anconeus muscles. The supinators include the supinator and biceps brachii muscles. Pronation is accomplished by the pronator quadratus, pronator teres and flexor carpi radialis muscles.
Ok, enough of the technical stuff, so why does my elbow hurt on the outside?? Let's look at a few reasons::
Lateral Epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, as it is more frequently called, refers to the inflammation of the extensor tendon on the outside of the elbow. this generally occurs due to an overuse of the extensor muscles (i.e. In racket sports). In lateral tennis elbow, the pain is aching, worsens with activity and frequently radiates down the lateral forearm. Persons with this disorder may also have night pain. Tenderness is present over the extensor tendon and is generally localized immediately anterior, medial and distal to the lateral epicondyle ( Bony part of the outside elbow). The pain increases with resisted extension of the wrist, especially with the elbow in extension. This disorder, as well as most other overuse related issues, is best treated with PRICE- Protection, Rest, Ice,,Compression, and Elevation. While most times swelling is not to the point where elevation is necessary, often times Ibuprofen or other anti- inflammatory medications may be prescribed as a part of treatment- consult your physician before taking any medications! Your physician or therapist may also prescribe a brace or support to give the area both protection and compression to disperse some of the forces from the extensor tendon. Lateral epicondylitis can usually be controlled and eliminated with physical therapy, activity modification, and over the counter (OTC) medication. Some more severe cases may require injections or surgery.
Two less common reasons for lateral elbow pain are Radial Tunnel Syndrome and degeneration of the humeroradial joint. With Radial Tunnel Syndrome, the radial nerve becomes compressed as it crosses the elbow- this often causes pain that can radiate form the lateral elbow to the front of the forearm. Also, pain with resisted supination (turning the palm up) is often present, especially with elbow extension and wrist flexion. Another cause of lateral elbow pain is degeneration of the humeroradial joint. With this disorder,patient's may often experience a pain, clicking, and sometimes a catching sensation at the lateral elbow with activity. This condition typically occurs when there is forceful and repetitive stresses to the lateral elbow. There will also usually be swelling and tenderness present.
Treatment for lateral elbow pain should be individualized based on symptom presentation and severity of the injury. Please consult one of our therapists or your physician for a specific program for you!

Ok, now that you know your elbow anatomy, let's look at the other side of the joint:
Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow). In this condition, pain in the medial elbow and proximal forearm occurs with activities that require rapid wrist flexion (wrist snapping) and forearm pronation( Turning the palm down). The pain worsens with activity.
with this disorder pain is most commonly present from the tip of the medial epicondyle and down the inside of the forearm. Pain is increased with wrist flexion and forearm supination performed under resistance. Treatment for this disorder is similar to that of lateral epicondylitis.
Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Sprain. This type of sprain most commonly occurs in throwing activities. The injury is characterized by the insidious onset of vague medial elbow pain that becomes worse with activity. The pain is typically relieved with rest but returns on resumption of throwing at over 70 percent of normal velocity. This type of injury can be very devastating to athletes involved in throwing sports. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent more serious injury and permanent damage. Severe cases may require surgical intervention to repair a torn ligament.
Ulnar Nerve Entrapment. The presenting symptom of ulnar nerve entrapment is medial elbow pain, but the disorder is also characterized by distal paresthesias (numbness and tingling) along the ulnar (lateral) aspect of the forearm and into the ring and little fingers (fourth and fifth digits). Persons with this problem may complain of a weak grip, hand fatigue and clumsiness. Ulnar nerve entrapment often occurs in throwing sports, as well as racquet sports, weight lifting and skiing.
If you think you may have any of these problems, it is essential that you see your PT or physician ASAP to ensure the best possible outcomes for your rehab!