Tennis elbow—medically known as lateral epicondylitis—is a common condition characterized by pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow affects not only tennis players, but other athletes, as well as people whose activities involve repetitive arm and wrist motions.
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow is caused by swelling, degeneration, or micro-tearing of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bony part of the outside of your elbow. Tennis elbow is sometimes referred to by doctors and other medical professionals as “elbow tendinopathy” or “lateral epicondylitis.”
Most common causes and risk factors
While tennis is a well-known trigger, the majority of cases result from repetitive wrist and arm motions in many activities, including:
- Racquet sports (tennis, racquetball, pickleball)
- Manual tasks (painting, using hand tools, carpentry, plumbing)
- Office work (typing, mouse use)
- Playing musical instruments
- Gardening and sewing
Key risk factors include:
- Age (most common between 30–54 years)
- Poor technique or equipment (e.g., incorrect backhand stroke, tightly strung racquet)
- Weak shoulder or wrist muscles
Symptoms of tennis elbow
The hallmark symptom is pain on the outside of the elbow, which may:
- Range from mild discomfort to severe, constant pain
- Radiate into the forearm and upper arm
- Worsen with gripping, lifting, bending the arm, or wrist movements
- Be accompanied by weakness in the forearm, swelling, or difficulty straightening the arm
How do I know if I have tennis elbow?
An orthopedic or sports medicine specialist can examine your arm and make a diagnosis. A diagnosis is typically based on:
- Patient history (activity patterns, symptom onset)
- Physical examination (tenderness over the lateral epicondyle, pain with resisted wrist or finger extension)
- Imaging (rarely needed; may be used to rule out other causes if symptoms persist)
Treatment
Most cases of tennis elbow improve with conservative management:
- Rest and activity modification: Avoid or reduce activities that trigger symptoms while you are recovering
- Pain relief: Such as anti-inflammatory medicines or topical gels, heat or ice
- Bracing: Forearm straps or elbow braces can reduce strain on the affected tendon
- Exercises: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the forearm and wrist are recommended. Physiotherapy may include massage, stretching, strengthening, and sometimes ultrasound therapy
- Medications: Oral anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed for persistent pain
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections are sometimes used for short-term relief, though evidence for long-term benefit is limited
- Surgery is rarely required and considered only if symptoms persist after 6–12 months of non-surgical treatment
Prognosis
Most individuals recover fully with recommended self-care and activity modifications. However, symptoms can last for several months and can recur if risk factors are not addressed.
How to prevent tennis elbow
To reduce the risk of developing tennis elbow, consider these tips:
- Warm up before activity and increase intensity gradually
- Use proper technique and equipment for sports and work
- Strengthen arm, wrist, and shoulder muscles
- Take regular breaks from repetitive tasks
When to seek additional medical treatment or advice
Consult an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist if:
- Your pain continues after two weeks of self-care
- Your symptoms are severe or worsening
- You have a significant weakness or difficulty using your arm
Summary: Tennis Elbow Overview
|
Aspect |
Details |
|
Medical Name |
Lateral epicondylitis |
|
Main Symptom |
Pain/tenderness outside elbow |
|
Common Causes |
Repetitive wrist/forearm motion (sports, manual labor, office work) |
|
Most Affected Tendon |
Extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) |
|
Age Group |
30–54 years |
|
Treatment |
Rest, pain relief, bracing, exercises, physiotherapy, rarely surgery |
|
Prevention |
Proper technique, equipment, muscle strengthening, task modification |
|
Prognosis |
Usually resolves with conservative care; recurrence possible |
Tennis elbow is a treatable condition with a high rate of recovery when managed properly. If you think you might have tennis elbow, talk to your orthopedic specialist and schedule an examination for proper diagnosis. The sooner you are diagnosed, the sooner you can modify your activities and identify the right care and treatment plan for your needs. Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists who diagnose and treat tennis elbow today.
For more elbow conditions and injury information, visit Orthopedic Centers of Colorado.
