Tennis elbow is very common and GPs see many people with the condition - not just tennis players.

At the elbow end of the humerus - the upper arm bone - are two bony projections called epicondyles. There's one on the inside and one on the outside of your elbow.

Some of the forearm muscles that control hand and finger movement are attached at the elbow to these epicondyles.

If tiny tears develop in these muscles at the point where they fix to the outer epicondyle, it can be extremely painful - this condition is called tennis elbow.

In general, the pain comes on gradually, starting as an irritating ache around the elbow. Certain movements make it worse and there may come a time when even picking up a kettle or opening a door is difficult.

The tears can be caused by vigorous exercise, overuse of the muscles playing tennis or other racket sports, or movements that the muscles are simply not used to.

Simple activities such as washing a car or carrying heavy suitcases can cause this problem.

The most important part of treatment is rest. Paracetamol will relieve the pain and anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen is helpful.

An elastic elbow support can help the healing process if it's worn throughout the day.

As with all inflammatory conditions, cold and hot therapy work well. Rest your elbow against a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel for a couple of minutes regularly throughout the day, or use a heat pack.

Physiotherapy, massage and sometimes steroid injections are used. In general, tennis elbow disappears within a few months so don't worry that you're going to be stuck with it.