Tennis Elbow – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Tennis elbow is pain on the outer side of the elbow caused by overload of the tendons of the muscles that extend the wrist. It does not only affect tennis players, and with the right treatment and loading it usually improves.
What tennis elbow is
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition in which the tendons of the muscles attached to the outer side of the elbow become overloaded and irritated. These muscles work when you extend the wrist and grip, so the pain is often felt during everyday tasks.
Symptoms usually develop gradually and are felt on the outer side of the elbow, sometimes spreading into the forearm. The pain increases with gripping, lifting objects, turning a key or shaking hands. It is often linked to repetitive hand movements, not only in sport but also at work.
In most people symptoms settle over time, but they can last for months. Properly loading the tendon and changing the contributing factors usually speeds up recovery.
Common causes
- repetitive wrist and forearm movements
- work with a computer mouse, tools or a screwdriver
- racket sports, especially with poor technique
- a sudden increase in load
- weak forearm and shoulder muscles
- age between 30 and 50
How it feels
- pain on the outer side of the elbow
- pain when gripping and lifting objects
- pain when turning the hand, for example unlocking a door
- pain that spreads into the forearm
- reduced grip strength
- tenderness when pressing the bony bump of the elbow
How we can help
We start with a thorough assessment of the elbow, wrist, shoulder and neck, as well as your work and sport habits. We combine therapeutic exercise to load the tendon gradually, manual therapy, therapeutic massage, and shockwave, laser, ultrasound or TECAR to ease pain. We may also use kinesiology taping, and if necessary will refer you to a specialist.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for pain after a fall or blow, visible deformity, marked swelling, redness with fever, numbness or weakness in the hand, or if the pain does not improve after a few weeks. Arm pain together with chest pressure or shortness of breath needs urgent medical help.
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a specialist.