Full Muscles of the Elbow Description
[Continued from above] . . . upper arm, and the bones of the forearm, the radius laterally and the ulna medially. The joint is actually formed by the trochlea of the humerus articulating with the ulna and the capitulum of the humerus articulating with the head of the radius. Although there are two sets of articulations, there is only one joint capsule and a large bursa to lubricate the joint and allow the muscles to move over the joint without pain or damage. An extensive network of ligaments helps the elbow joint maintain its stability.
Because so many muscles originate or insert near the elbow, it is a common site for injury. One common injury is lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow, which means inflammation surrounding the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Six muscles that control backward movement (extension) of the hand and fingers originate on the lateral epicondyle. Repeated strenuous striking while the muscles are contracted (and especially against force such as that occurring with the backhand stroke in tennis) causes strain on the tendinous muscle attachments and can produce pain around the epicondyle. Rest for these muscles of the elbow will usually bring about recovery.