Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) include:

Pain and burning on the outer part of the elbow

Weak grip strength when holding objects

Pain that worsens with forearm activity

Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning

Pain when lifting or bending the arm

Aching that extends from elbow to wrist

Difficulty extending the arm fully

Tenderness when touching the outer elbow

Pain when twisting the forearm

Discomfort when shaking hands

Weakness when gripping or lifting light objects

Sharp pain when opening jars or bottles

When to see a doctor

If you experience severe or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Always consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Causes & Risk Factors

Several factors can contribute to Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis).

Tennis elbow develops when the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle - the bony prominence on the outside of your elbow - become overloaded and develop microscopic tears.

Tennis elbow develops when the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle - the bony prominence on the outside of your elbow - become overloaded and develop microscopic tears. These tendons, particularly the extensor carpi radialis brevis, help stabilize your wrist when your elbow is straight. Think of these tendons like rope fibers that gradually fray when subjected to repeated stress without adequate recovery time.

The condition typically results from repetitive motions that involve gripping, twisting, or extending the wrist and forearm.

The condition typically results from repetitive motions that involve gripping, twisting, or extending the wrist and forearm. Common culprits include using tools like screwdrivers or hammers, typing with poor wrist positioning, playing racquet sports with improper technique, or performing manual labor that requires repetitive forearm rotation. Even activities as simple as excessive computer mouse use or repetitive lifting can trigger the condition.

Age plays a role because tendons naturally lose elasticity and become more prone to injury as we get older.

Age plays a role because tendons naturally lose elasticity and become more prone to injury as we get older. Poor blood supply to the tendon area also slows healing, which explains why tennis elbow can become chronic if not properly treated. Sometimes the condition develops gradually without an obvious cause, while other times it follows a specific incident of overuse or minor trauma to the elbow area.

Risk Factors

Age between 30 and 50 years
Jobs requiring repetitive arm and wrist motions
Playing racquet sports regularly
Using tools that vibrate frequently
Poor technique in sports or work activities
Inadequate rest between repetitive activities
Previous elbow or arm injuries
Weak forearm muscles
Excessive computer mouse use
Manual labor involving gripping and twisting

Diagnosis

How healthcare professionals diagnose Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis):

1
Your doctor will typically diagnose tennis elbow based on your symptoms and a physical examination.
Your doctor will typically diagnose tennis elbow based on your symptoms and a physical examination. During the visit, expect questions about your work, hobbies, and when the pain started. The doctor will examine your elbow, checking for tenderness over the lateral epicondyle and testing your range of motion. A classic diagnostic test involves having you extend your wrist against resistance while your elbow is straight - this often reproduces the characteristic pain.
2
Imaging tests aren't usually necessary for diagnosis, but your doctor might order them to rule out other conditions.
Imaging tests aren't usually necessary for diagnosis, but your doctor might order them to rule out other conditions. X-rays can show bone spurs or arthritis, while ultrasound can reveal tendon tears or inflammation. MRI scans are occasionally used when the diagnosis is unclear or if symptoms don't improve with standard treatment. These tests help distinguish tennis elbow from conditions like radial tunnel syndrome or cervical radiculopathy.
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Your doctor will also assess the severity of your condition and identify contributing factors.
Your doctor will also assess the severity of your condition and identify contributing factors. They might evaluate your grip strength, observe how you perform certain motions, and discuss your daily activities. Blood tests are rarely needed unless there's concern about inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The diagnosis is usually straightforward, but thorough evaluation helps create the most effective treatment plan.

Complications

Most people with tennis elbow recover completely without lasting problems, but some may experience chronic pain if the condition isn't properly treated.
Chronic tennis elbow can lead to persistent weakness in grip strength and ongoing discomfort with daily activities.
The pain might become constant rather than just occurring with specific movements, and the affected arm may feel stiff and less flexible than before.
Rare complications can occur if tennis elbow is ignored or inadequately treated.
These include permanent changes to the tendon structure, development of bone spurs, and compensatory problems in other parts of the arm or shoulder from altered movement patterns.
Some people develop a fear of using their arm normally, leading to muscle weakness and reduced function.
Surgery, while generally successful, carries small risks of infection, nerve damage, or incomplete pain relief.
However, with proper treatment, the vast majority of people return to their normal activities without restrictions.

Prevention

Wrist curls and extensions with light weights
Grip strengthening with a stress ball
Eccentric exercises using resistance bands
Forearm stretches before and after activities

Treatment Approaches

Most people with tennis elbow recover with conservative treatment that focuses on reducing inflammation and allowing damaged tendons to heal.

Most people with tennis elbow recover with conservative treatment that focuses on reducing inflammation and allowing damaged tendons to heal. The first line of defense includes rest from aggravating activities, ice application for 15-20 minutes several times daily, and over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen. A counterforce brace worn just below the elbow can help reduce strain on the affected tendons during daily activities.

Home Remedy

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery and typically includes exercises to stretch and strengthen the forearm muscles.

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery and typically includes exercises to stretch and strengthen the forearm muscles. Your therapist will teach you eccentric exercises - controlled lengthening of the muscle while it contracts - which research shows can promote tendon healing. Treatment might also include ultrasound therapy, massage, and techniques to improve your movement patterns and prevent re-injury.

TherapyLifestyle

When conservative measures fail after 6-12 months, doctors might recommend more advanced treatments.

When conservative measures fail after 6-12 months, doctors might recommend more advanced treatments. Options include: - Corticosteroid injections for short-term pain relief - Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to promote healing - Extracorporeal shock wave therapy - Dry needling or acupuncture - Botulinum toxin injections in select cases

TherapyAnti-inflammatory

Surgery is rarely needed but might be considered for severe cases that don't respond to other treatments after 6-12 months.

Surgery is rarely needed but might be considered for severe cases that don't respond to other treatments after 6-12 months. The procedure typically involves removing damaged tendon tissue and reattaching healthy tendon to bone. Recovery from surgery takes 4-6 months, but success rates are generally high. Recent research into regenerative treatments like stem cell therapy shows promise, though these approaches are still being studied.

SurgicalTherapy

Living With Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Living with tennis elbow requires patience and smart activity modification while your tendons heal. Start by identifying and avoiding movements that trigger pain - this might mean temporarily switching to your non-dominant hand for certain tasks or asking for help with heavy lifting. Use tools and techniques that reduce strain on your elbow, such as using both hands to lift objects, keeping items close to your body, and avoiding prolonged gripping activities.

Pain management strategies can help you stay comfortable during recovery.Pain management strategies can help you stay comfortable during recovery. Apply ice after activities that stress your elbow, and consider using heat before gentle stretching exercises. A counterforce brace can provide support during necessary activities, but don't rely on it constantly as your muscles need to maintain their strength. Many people find that anti-inflammatory medications help, but use them as directed and discuss long-term use with your doctor.

Stay active within your pain limits to prevent overall deconditioning.Stay active within your pain limits to prevent overall deconditioning. Focus on exercises that don't aggravate your symptoms: - Cardiovascular activities like walking or stationary cycling - Core strengthening exercises - Lower body strength training - Gentle yoga or stretching routines Maintain realistic expectations about recovery time - tennis elbow often takes 6-12 months to fully resolve. Join online support groups or connect with others who have experienced similar injuries. Most importantly, stick with your treatment plan and don't rush back to full activity too soon, as this often leads to setbacks and prolonged recovery.

Latest Medical Developments

Latest medical developments are being researched.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still exercise if I have tennis elbow?

Yes, you can exercise with tennis elbow, but you'll need to modify your routine. Avoid activities that involve gripping, twisting, or repetitive arm motions. Focus on lower body exercises, core work, and cardiovascular activities like walking or cycling that don't stress your elbow.

How long does tennis elbow take to heal?

Tennis elbow typically takes 6-12 months to fully heal with proper treatment. Some people feel better in a few weeks, while others may need up to 18 months. The key is consistent treatment and avoiding activities that re-aggravate the condition.

Will tennis elbow go away on its own?

Tennis elbow can improve on its own, but recovery is usually faster and more complete with proper treatment. Without treatment, symptoms may persist for months or years, and the condition is more likely to become chronic.

Should I wear an elbow brace all the time?

No, you shouldn't wear an elbow brace constantly. Use a counterforce brace during activities that might stress your elbow, but remove it during rest periods. Wearing it all the time can lead to muscle weakness and dependence on the brace.

Can I prevent tennis elbow from coming back?

Yes, tennis elbow can often be prevented from recurring. Continue doing strengthening and stretching exercises, use proper technique in sports and work activities, take regular breaks from repetitive tasks, and listen to your body when early symptoms appear.

Is surgery necessary for tennis elbow?

Surgery is rarely needed for tennis elbow. Only about 5-10% of people require surgery, typically after conservative treatments have failed for 6-12 months. Most people recover completely with rest, physical therapy, and activity modification.

Can tennis elbow affect both arms?

Tennis elbow can affect both arms, though it's more common to have it in your dominant arm. If you develop symptoms in both elbows, it's often related to work activities or sports that use both arms repetitively.

What's the difference between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?

Tennis elbow affects the outside of the elbow and involves the tendons that extend your wrist. Golfer's elbow affects the inside of the elbow and involves the tendons that flex your wrist. Both cause pain but in different locations.

Should I use heat or ice for tennis elbow?

Use ice for 15-20 minutes after activities that aggravate your symptoms to reduce inflammation. Heat can be helpful before gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility. Never apply ice or heat directly to your skin.

Can typing cause tennis elbow?

Yes, excessive typing with poor ergonomics can contribute to tennis elbow, especially if you grip your mouse tightly or keep your wrists in awkward positions. Take frequent breaks and ensure your workstation is properly set up to reduce strain.

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Feb 26, 2026v1.1.0

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Published page overview and treatments by DiseaseDirectory