From Jonathan Cluett, M.D.,
Your Guide to Orthopedics.
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

Lifting a briefcase, purse, or toolbox, in the palm-down position stresses the tendons that are irritated in patients with tennis elbow.

Instead, lifting in the palm-up position, will not place any pressure on the irritated tendons, and will not cause pain. Furthermore, by allowing the injured tendons to rest, this may help cure the pain of tennis elbow.

Unfortunately, the palm-down hand position is often more 'natural,' and patients must think about how they are lifting objects before they actually pick them up!

Try it! If you have tennis elbow, try lifting a briefcase, or similar object (heavy purse, suitcase, shopping bag, toolbox) in both positions, and see which is more comfortable.