Bilateral epicondylitis in a karate instructor

Epicondylitis can be a debilitating condition that restricts activity and causes pain. Severe cases can require surgical repair. Early and thorough assessment and instituting treatment expeditiously will help prevent lengthy rehabilitation. It is well documented that sports requiring repetitive wrist movements or tension overloading of wrist extensors, such as racquet sports and bowling, are associated with the development of epicondylitis. In this case study, the sport of karate precipitated this condition in a 38-year-old instructor. The significance of karate as a possible risk factor in epicondylitis is important given the proliferation of karate schools, especially those for children.