The most likely reason your elbow hurts when you rotate your wrist outward is lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow. This condition involves pain and tenderness on the outer part of your elbow.
Understanding Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Lateral epicondylitis is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles that extend and raise your wrist and hand. While it's often associated with tennis, it can result from various repetitive activities that strain these muscles.
How Wrist Rotation Relates to Elbow Pain
When you rotate your wrist outward (supination), you engage the muscles that attach to the lateral epicondyle, the bony prominence on the outside of your elbow. If these muscles are inflamed or strained due to lateral epicondylitis, this motion can exacerbate the pain.
Symptoms of Lateral Epicondylitis
- Pain and tenderness: On the outer part of your elbow.
- Pain radiating down the forearm: The pain may extend from your elbow towards your wrist.
- Weakness: Difficulty gripping or lifting objects.
- Pain with certain movements: Such as gripping, lifting, or rotating your wrist.
Possible Causes Beyond Tennis Elbow
While tennis elbow is the most common cause, other possibilities include:
- Other tendon issues: Strain or inflammation of other tendons around the elbow.
- Nerve compression: Compression of a nerve in the elbow region.
- Elbow joint problems: Though less likely to be specifically triggered by wrist rotation, joint issues can contribute to elbow pain.
What to Do
- Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
- Ice: Apply ice packs to the elbow for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- See a doctor: If the pain is severe or doesn't improve with home treatment, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment options, which may include physical therapy, bracing, or, in rare cases, surgery.
