ORTHOPEDIC CONCERN

Tennis Elbow

Also called: tennis elbow, golfers elbow, elbow pain

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain and tenderness around the outside of the elbow.

TYPICALLY OCCURS

Repetitive movement, overuse, gripping and forearm strain

TREATED BY

Elbow surgery, injections, physiotherapy and pain management

ALSO LINKED TO

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Why it happens?

Tennis elbow develops when the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow become overloaded. These muscles and tendons are involved in extending the wrist and stabilising it during gripping, lifting and other hand movements. Repeated loading can cause small structural changes within the tendon, particularly where it attaches to the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow. Over time, this can lead to pain, tenderness and reduced tolerance for activities that place stress on the affected tendon.

Although racket sports can cause tennis elbow, many cases are associated with everyday activities, occupations or other sports. Repeated gripping, twisting, lifting or wrist movements can place additional strain on the forearm tendons. Activities such as using tools, painting, gardening, manual work and some repetitive computer or hand tasks may contribute. A sudden increase in activity or performing an unfamiliar movement repeatedly can also overload a tendon that has not adapted to that level of demand.

Tendon tissue also changes with age, which may make it less able to tolerate repetitive loading and recover from small amounts of damage. Tennis elbow is therefore particularly common in adults rather than being limited to athletes. Symptoms can sometimes develop without one obvious cause and may persist if the tendon continues to be repeatedly overloaded. Other conditions involving the elbow, neck or nerves can produce similar symptoms, so persistent outer elbow pain is not automatically tennis elbow and may require professional assessment.

How far along is it?

Early

Occasional discomfort or tenderness develops around the outside of the elbow, usually following repetitive activity, gripping or exercise.

Moderate

Pain becomes more frequent and may occur during everyday activities such as lifting, gripping, turning a handle or carrying objects. Grip strength may feel reduced because of discomfort.

Advanced

Pain becomes persistent or repeatedly returns and can interfere with work, sport and everyday activities. Even relatively light gripping or wrist movements may become uncomfortable.

What addresses it?

Treatments that address this

Tennis elbow→

Mild tennis elbow symptoms may improve when the activities responsible for overloading the tendon are modified. Professional assessment becomes worthwhile when pain persists for several weeks, repeatedly returns or begins interfering with work, exercise or normal daily activities.

Seek medical advice sooner if elbow pain follows a significant injury, there is substantial swelling or deformity, movement becomes severely restricted, or symptoms are accompanied by persistent numbness, tingling or weakness. These features may indicate an injury or condition other than tennis elbow.

Quick Questions:

What causes tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is usually associated with repeated or excessive loading of the forearm muscles and their tendons. Repetitive gripping, lifting and wrist movements are common contributors.

Can you get tennis elbow without playing tennis?

Yes. Most activities involving repetitive gripping, twisting or forearm movement can potentially contribute. Manual work, gardening, using tools and other sports are common examples.

How long does tennis elbow last?

Recovery varies considerably. Mild cases may improve within weeks, while persistent tendon problems can take several months or longer to settle, particularly if the tendon continues to be overloaded.

Does tennis elbow require surgery?

Usually not. Most cases are managed with activity modification, rehabilitation and other non-surgical approaches. Surgery may be considered in selected cases when persistent symptoms have not improved despite an appropriate period of conservative management.