What Is Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

 Have you ever felt persistent pain on the outer side of your elbow that worsens when you grip, lift, or twist your forearm? You might be wondering, what is tennis elbow and why it’s affecting you even if you’ve never played the sport. This common condition can disrupt your ability to perform everyday activities — from holding a cup to typing on your laptop. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments can help you recover faster and prevent it from coming back.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Definition and Overview

Tennis elbow, medically called lateral epicondylitis, occurs when the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow become irritated or inflamed. This often results from repetitive motion or overuse, which leads to tiny tears in the tendon.

Although it’s named after a sport, this injury is not exclusive to athletes. You might develop it from activities like painting, typing, cooking, or even using hand tools repeatedly. The key factor is strain from repeated gripping or wrist extension, not the sport itself.

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone who performs repetitive arm and wrist movements is at risk. Tradespeople like carpenters, plumbers, and painters often experience it due to the physical demands of their work. Office workers, musicians, and even homemakers can also develop symptoms. It’s most common in people aged 30 to 60, though it can affect younger individuals who engage in repetitive tasks without proper technique or rest.

Causes and Risk Factors

The most common cause is overuse of the forearm muscles, particularly the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon. Activities that involve repetitive gripping, lifting, or twisting motions place extra strain on these tendons. Over time, microscopic tears develop, leading to pain and tenderness.

Poor posture, improper equipment, and inadequate warm-ups can increase the risk. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and high levels of stress may also slow tendon healing. Jobs that require prolonged repetitive movements — especially for more than two hours a day — can significantly raise the chances of developing tennis elbow.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The hallmark symptom is pain and tenderness on the outer part of your elbow, which can radiate down your forearm or into your wrist. You might find it difficult to grip objects, shake hands, turn a doorknob, or lift even light weights. The pain often worsens with activity and may ease when you rest.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, where your doctor will press on the affected area and ask you to move your wrist or fingers against resistance. Special tests like Cozen’s or Mill’s test may be performed. Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI is used only when ruling out other issues like arthritis or nerve compression.

Treatment and Management

Non-Surgical Approaches

Most cases improve with conservative treatment. Resting the arm, applying ice, and using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce pain and swelling. Physiotherapy, which includes stretching and strengthening exercises, is highly effective in restoring function. Wearing a forearm strap or brace can help offload stress from the tendon during activities.

Advanced Therapies

If pain persists, corticosteroid injections may be recommended for short-term relief, though they are not always beneficial long term. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are an emerging option that may promote tendon healing, but research is ongoing.

Surgical Option

Surgery is considered only when symptoms last more than six to twelve months despite consistent treatment. The procedure involves removing damaged tendon tissue and reattaching healthy tendon to the bone, followed by rehabilitation.

Prevention and Self-Care

You can prevent recurrence by maintaining good posture, warming up before physical activity, and avoiding excessive repetitive strain. Strengthening your forearm and wrist muscles can help support the tendons. If your job involves repetitive motions, take frequent breaks, adjust your workstation ergonomics, and use tools with proper grip sizes.

FAQ

Q: Can I get tennis elbow without playing tennis?

Yes. Any repetitive hand, wrist, or forearm movement can cause it.

Q: How long does recovery take?

Most people improve within 6 to 12 months with proper care, though some cases can take up to 2 years.

Q: Is surgery always required?

No. Surgery is needed only in persistent cases that don’t respond to other treatments.

Q: Are injections safe?

Corticosteroid injections are generally safe but are used sparingly to avoid side effects.

Wrapping Up

By now, you understand what is tennis elbow and why it’s not limited to athletes. This condition can affect anyone whose daily activities involve repetitive arm and wrist movements. With timely treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and preventive strategies, you can manage the pain, recover fully, and get back to your routine without limitations.