Q. I don't play tennis, but I'm told this is tennis elbow

Inflammation in the muscles used to bend and straighten the wrist, at the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow, is called tennis elbow. It appears with overuse of the wrist, with direct impact, or with degenerative change or tearing in the tendon.

Pain is felt on bending the wrist back. Early on there is a dull ache with tingling, and as it worsens the pain can spread as far as the wrist.

On the inner side of the elbow, the same thing is golfer's elbow. The name comes from its being common in golfers, but it appears just the same in anyone who uses the arm a great deal. Pain or a feeling of heat is felt on the inside of the elbow, and gripping things or using the wrist becomes uncomfortable.