Lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow is an overuse injury that happens when the elbow is put under repeated stress. Your child should rest the elbow to help it heal.

Lateral epicondylitis is an injury to one or more of the tendons in the elbow. Tendons are rope-like bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Kids who do activities involving repeated arm movements sometimes get swelling or small tears in the tendons that connect the elbow to the forearm and wrist. They may have elbow and forearm pain, as well as wrist weakness.

Lateral epicondylitis is also known as "tennis elbow" because a lot of tennis players get it. Kids who play other sports, use computer keyboards a lot, or do other repetitive activities with the wrists and elbows are also prone to tennis elbow.

Health care providers usually diagnose tennis elbow by doing a physical exam. They might also take X-rays or other images of the elbow.

Rest and physical therapy help most kids get better in a few months. Some kids also wear a brace on the forearm or wrist. In a few cases, the health care provider may recommend surgery.

• Your child should take a break from the activity that led to the injury. Your health care provider can tell you when it is OK to gradually return to the activity.
• Your child should avoid gripping motions such as shaking hands, opening jars and door handles, and carrying heavy bags.
• If your child has been given a splint or brace, it should be worn as directed by the health care provider.
• Encourage your child to do any exercises or stretching recommended by the health care provider.
• If your child is uncomfortable, you may give acetaminophen OR ibuprofen.

• Pain doesn't improve with rest and pain medicine.
• Your child has new symptoms.

• If your child's injury was caused by computer use, switching to an ergonomic keyboard and a trackball instead of a mouse may help.
• If playing tennis caused the injury, have a trained tennis professional look at your child's racquet and technique before your child returns to the sport. Good technique and proper racquet fit can lessen the chance of re-injury.