What Is Tennis Elbow? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Tennis elbow is a common condition that causes pain and tenderness around the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, you do not have to play tennis to develop it. Activities involving repeated gripping, lifting, twisting, or wrist movements can place stress on the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow.
The medical term for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis, although the condition is often better described as a tendon problem caused by overuse rather than simple inflammation.
Tennis elbow can affect athletes, construction workers, gardeners, mechanics, office workers, musicians, and anyone who repeatedly uses their hands and forearms.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons connecting some of the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow become irritated or damaged from repeated stress.
The muscles involved help control movements of the wrist and fingers. Repeated activities can place excessive strain on their tendon attachment near the lateral epicondyle, the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow.
Over time, small areas of tendon damage can develop, resulting in pain and reduced strength.
Although it is commonly associated with tennis, racquet sports account for only some cases. The condition can develop from many everyday activities.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
The most common cause of tennis elbow is repetitive use of the forearm and wrist.
Activities that repeatedly contract the forearm muscles can place stress on the tendon where it attaches to the elbow.
Common causes and contributing activities include:
- Playing tennis, pickleball, or other racquet sports
- Repeated lifting
- Gardening
- Painting
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
- Using hand tools
- Typing and computer-related activities
- Repetitive assembly-line work
- Cooking or chopping
- Playing certain musical instruments
- Repeated gripping or twisting movements
A sudden increase in activity can also contribute to tennis elbow. For example, someone who spends very little time gardening but suddenly spends an entire weekend digging, pruning, and lifting may develop elbow pain afterward.
Who Is Most Likely to Develop Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow can affect people of almost any age, but it is particularly common in adults who regularly perform repetitive arm or wrist movements.
People who participate in racquet sports or occupations requiring repetitive hand and forearm movements may have a higher risk.
Other factors that may contribute include:
- Repetitive manual work
- Poor technique when playing sports
- Using tools incorrectly
- Increasing exercise or activity too quickly
- Repetitive gripping
- Poor equipment fit
- Repeated wrist extension
- Insufficient rest between activities
You can develop tennis elbow even if you have never played tennis.
What Does Tennis Elbow Feel Like?
The most noticeable symptom is usually pain on the outside of the elbow.
The pain may begin gradually and become worse when you use your wrist or hand.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness on the outside of the elbow
- Forearm pain
- Weakness when gripping objects
- Pain when lifting
- Discomfort when shaking hands
- Pain when turning a doorknob
- Difficulty holding objects
- Pain when extending the wrist
- Tenderness around the elbow
Some people experience mild discomfort initially, while others develop significant pain that interferes with everyday activities.
Where Does Tennis Elbow Hurt?
Tennis elbow typically causes pain around the outside of the elbow, particularly near the bony prominence known as the lateral epicondyle.
The discomfort can sometimes extend down the outside of the forearm toward the wrist.
Activities involving gripping or lifting may make the pain more noticeable.
For example, you may notice pain when:
- Carrying a grocery bag
- Picking up a cup
- Using a screwdriver
- Opening a jar
- Shaking someone’s hand
- Lifting weights
- Holding a child
- Using a computer mouse
Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer’s Elbow
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are similar conditions, but they affect different areas of the elbow.
Tennis elbow generally affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow.
Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow.
Despite their names, neither condition is limited to tennis players or golfers.
How Is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?
A healthcare professional can often diagnose tennis elbow by reviewing your symptoms and examining your elbow, wrist, and forearm.
During an examination, they may ask you to move your wrist or fingers against resistance to determine whether certain movements reproduce the pain.
Your healthcare provider may also ask about:
- Your occupation
- Sports activities
- Recent changes in physical activity
- Previous injuries
- The location and duration of your pain
Imaging tests are not always necessary. However, an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI may sometimes be used when the diagnosis is uncertain or another condition needs to be ruled out.
How Is Tennis Elbow Treated?
Many cases of tennis elbow improve with conservative treatment and modification of activities.
Treatment may include:
Rest and Activity Modification
Reducing or temporarily avoiding activities that aggravate the elbow can give the tendon time to recover.
This does not necessarily mean keeping your arm completely still. Instead, the goal is often to modify activities so that excessive stress on the tendon is reduced.
Ice
Applying a cold pack to the painful area may temporarily reduce pain and discomfort.
Always protect your skin with a cloth or towel and follow appropriate safety instructions when using cold therapy.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be an important part of recovery.
A physical therapist may recommend exercises designed to gradually strengthen the forearm muscles and improve the tendon’s ability to tolerate activity.
Exercises may include controlled wrist movements, stretching, and progressive strengthening.
Braces or Supports
Some people may benefit from a counterforce brace or wrist support. These devices can sometimes reduce stress on the affected tendon during activities.
A healthcare professional can help determine whether a brace is appropriate and how it should be used.
Pain-Relieving Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers may help some people manage discomfort. However, medications are not appropriate for everyone and can have side effects or interact with other medicines.
Speak with a healthcare professional or pharmacist if you are unsure which medication is appropriate for you.
How Long Does Tennis Elbow Last?
Tennis elbow can take weeks to months to improve, particularly when the tendon continues to be exposed to the activity that caused the problem.
Recovery time varies from person to person.
Factors that can influence recovery include:
- How severe the condition is
- How long symptoms have been present
- Whether aggravating activities are modified
- Physical therapy and exercise
- Overall health
- The demands placed on the arm
Because tendon problems can take time to heal, returning to demanding activities too quickly may cause symptoms to persist or return.
Can Tennis Elbow Heal on Its Own?
Yes. Many people recover without surgery.
However, recovery may be gradual. Continuing the activity that repeatedly aggravates the tendon can make it more difficult for symptoms to settle.
If elbow pain persists, becomes severe, or interferes with normal activities, it is a good idea to have it evaluated by a healthcare professional.
How Can You Prevent Tennis Elbow?
You may be able to reduce your risk by managing repetitive activities and avoiding sudden increases in workload.
Helpful strategies include:
- Warm up before strenuous activity
- Use proper technique during sports
- Take breaks during repetitive tasks
- Avoid gripping tools unnecessarily tightly
- Use properly fitted equipment
- Strengthen the forearm muscles gradually
- Increase exercise intensity slowly
- Use ergonomic equipment when appropriate
- Alternate repetitive tasks when possible
- Pay attention to early signs of discomfort
If an activity consistently causes elbow pain, don’t simply push through it. Modifying the activity early may help prevent a minor problem from becoming persistent.
Can Tennis Elbow Be Caused by Computer Use?
Computer use is sometimes associated with forearm and wrist discomfort, but not every case of computer-related elbow pain is tennis elbow.
Repetitive mouse or keyboard use can place stress on the muscles and tendons of the forearm, particularly when combined with awkward positioning or prolonged activity.
If computer use causes pain, consider adjusting your workstation, taking regular breaks, and avoiding prolonged positions that aggravate your symptoms.
Persistent pain should be evaluated rather than automatically assumed to be tennis elbow.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Consider seeing a healthcare professional if:
- Elbow pain persists despite reducing aggravating activities
- Pain interferes with daily activities
- Your grip becomes noticeably weaker
- Symptoms continue to worsen
- You cannot move your arm normally
- The elbow becomes significantly swollen
- You experienced a significant injury
- You have numbness or tingling in your arm or hand
Severe pain following an injury, significant swelling or deformity, or new weakness or loss of sensation warrants prompt medical evaluation.
Is Surgery Needed for Tennis Elbow?
Surgery is generally not the first treatment for tennis elbow.
Most people are treated initially with approaches such as activity modification, rehabilitation, and exercises.
In persistent cases that do not improve with appropriate nonsurgical treatment, a specialist may discuss additional treatment options, including surgery.
The decision depends on the individual’s symptoms, diagnosis, duration of the problem, and response to other treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennis Elbow
Is tennis elbow only caused by playing tennis?
No. Despite its name, tennis elbow can develop from many repetitive activities involving the wrist and forearm, including gardening, construction, painting, lifting, and certain types of computer work.
Can you get tennis elbow without playing sports?
Yes. Repetitive occupational and everyday activities can place enough stress on the forearm tendons to cause tennis elbow.
Is tennis elbow permanent?
Usually not. Many people improve with appropriate activity modification and rehabilitation, although recovery can take time.
Does tennis elbow cause weakness?
It can. Pain and tendon problems may make gripping and lifting uncomfortable or cause the affected arm to feel weaker.
Can you continue exercising with tennis elbow?
It depends on the activity and severity of symptoms. Exercises that do not aggravate the elbow may be possible, while activities that significantly increase pain may need to be modified or temporarily avoided.
A healthcare professional or physical therapist can help you develop an appropriate exercise plan.
Final Thoughts
Tennis elbow is a common overuse condition involving the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, you don’t need to play tennis to develop it.
Repeated gripping, lifting, wrist movements, sports, occupational activities, and sudden increases in physical activity can all contribute to the condition.
The good news is that many people recover with conservative care, including activity modification, rehabilitation, and gradual strengthening. Because tendon recovery can take time, patience and a gradual return to demanding activities are important.
If elbow pain persists, becomes severe, or affects your ability to use your arm normally, consult a qualified healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. If you have persistent, severe, or concerning symptoms, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
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