Tennis elbow is the common name for lateral epicondylitis, a painful condition involving the tendons that attach forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, it is not limited to tennis players.
What To Know
- Tennis elbow usually causes pain or tenderness on the outside of the elbow.
- Repetitive gripping and wrist extension are common aggravating activities.
- Most cases are treated without surgery, but persistent symptoms should be evaluated.
What Lateral Epicondylitis Means
AAOS describes tennis elbow as degeneration or microtearing of the tendons that connect forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. The extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon is commonly involved.
The condition develops gradually in many people rather than following one dramatic injury.
Why It Is Not Just A Tennis Injury
Racquet sports can contribute, but painters, plumbers, carpenters, cooks, auto workers, and many other people who repeatedly grip or extend the wrist can develop similar symptoms.
The shared factor is repetitive or vigorous forearm use, not the sport itself.
Related Topic: Explore The Elbow Health Hub
Typical Symptoms
Pain or burning on the outer elbow and reduced grip strength are common. Symptoms may worsen when shaking hands, turning a wrench, holding a racquet, lifting, or using the wrist against resistance.
Some people also report night pain. A clinician may reproduce symptoms by testing wrist and finger extension against resistance.
How It Is Evaluated And Managed
Diagnosis is usually based on the history and physical examination, with imaging used when another problem needs to be ruled out. Treatment often starts with activity modification and rehabilitation focused on the forearm.
AAOS reports that many people improve with nonsurgical care. Surgery is generally reserved for persistent cases that do not respond to extended conservative treatment.
When To Seek Assessment
Seek evaluation when outer-elbow pain persists, grip strength is declining, or symptoms interfere with work, sleep, or ordinary tasks. Pain after a fall, marked swelling, or inability to move the joint normally should be assessed more promptly.
Other conditions, including nerve compression or arthritis, can resemble tennis elbow and may require different management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get Tennis Elbow Without Playing Tennis?
Yes. Many work and recreational activities that involve repetitive forearm and wrist use can contribute.
Where Is Tennis Elbow Pain Usually Felt?
It is typically felt on the outside of the elbow near the lateral epicondyle and may extend into the forearm.
Does Tennis Elbow Usually Need Surgery?
No. AAOS reports that most people improve with nonsurgical treatment, although recovery can take time.
Medical Sources And References
This guide was independently synthesized from the sources below. Where the source publisher identifies clinician contributors or peer reviewers, those names are shown for transparent attribution.
- AAOS: Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)Contributed and/or updated by Jocelyn Ross Witstein, MD, FAAOS and Michael J. Alaia, MD, FAAOS; peer-reviewed by Mary K. Mulcahey, MD, FAAOS and Stuart J. Fischer, MD, FAAOS.
- MedlinePlus: Elbow Injuries And DisordersNational Library of Medicine health topic; primary NIH organization: NIAMS.
