Table 2.

Clinical classification of lateral epicondylitis phases.

Phase	Description of pain changes of different phases
I	Mild pain after activity, usually recovers within 24 hours
II	Mild pain more than 48 hours after activity, no pain during activity, can be relieved with warm-up exercises, and recovers within 72 hours
III	Mild pain before and during activity, no significant negative impact on the activities, and can be partially relieved with warm-up exercises
IV	Mild pain accompanies the activities of daily living and has negative impact on the performance of activities
V	Harmful pain unrelated to activities, great negative impact on the performance of activities but does not prevent the activities of daily life. Need complete rest to control the pain
VI	Persistent pain despite complete rest and can prevent the activities of daily life
VII	Consistent pain at rest, aggravated after activities, and disturbed sleep

Notes: the pain in phases I and II is usually self-limiting with due care and protection; the pain in phases III and IV usually needs some nonoperative treatments; and the pain in phases V–VII is more likely to require operative treatment.