Most of the muscles that extend your wrist are attached to a bony bump on the outside of your elbow called the lateral epicondyle. Sometimes, the site where these muscles insert can become irritated through injury or overuse. The pain often begins as an intermittent or gradual discomfort that progresses until simple activities are painful, like shaking hands or holding a coffee cup.

Any activity involving repetitive wrist extension is a potential cause of this condition, i.e., tennis, carpentry, bricklaying, knitting, playing piano, or typing.

The first step in a successful treatment plan is to modify or eliminate activities that cause symptoms. Avoid sleeping with your elbow compressed beneath your pillow. Try to avoid lifting heavy objects with your palm facing down. Tennis or racquetball players may need to consider changing to a lighter racket or a smaller handle. Sports creams and home ice massages may provide relief.