Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow. Also known as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is often caused by repetitive motions in sports, work, or daily activities. This condition can make it difficult to grip, lift, or carry objects.

Tennis elbow affects the outside of the elbow and is similar to golfer’s elbow, which involves the inside of the elbow. With proper care, most people recover fully without surgery.

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

Tennis Elbow is usually caused by overuse and strain of the forearm muscles. Common activities that can lead to the condition include:

• Racquet sports like tennis, squash, and pickleball
• Repetitive motion jobs such as plumbing, painting, or carpentry
• Frequent computer use or typing
• Improper lifting techniques
• Manual labor or repetitive gripping tasks

These activities put stress on the tendons, leading to small tears and inflammation over time.

What Are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?

Common symptoms of Tennis Elbow include:

• Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow
• Weak grip strength
• Pain that worsens with wrist extension or gripping objects
• Stiffness or tenderness near the bony point of the elbow
• Discomfort when lifting or carrying, especially with the palm down

Symptoms may come on gradually and worsen with continued activity.

When Should I See a Specialist for Tennis Elbow?

You should consult a doctor if:

• Pain lasts more than a few weeks
• Daily tasks like gripping or lifting are difficult
• Symptoms keep returning
• Home remedies haven’t helped
• There’s swelling or weakness in your arm

How Is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?

An orthopedic or sports medicine specialist can diagnose tennis elbow by:

• Asking about your symptoms and activity history
• Performing a physical exam to check for tenderness, pain with movement, and grip weakness
• Ordering X-rays to rule out arthritis or fractures
  • Rarely, an MRI or ultrasound will be ordered if the diagnosis is unclear or if other injuries are suspected

Getting the right diagnosis helps guide the best treatment for outer elbow pain.

How Is Tennis Elbow Treated?

Most people improve with nonoperative treatment. The goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and allow the tendon to heal properly.

Nonsurgical Treatments

Effective nonoperative treatments include:

• Rest and avoiding aggravating activities
• Daily home stretching program provided by the physical therapist
• Ice packs to reduce pain and swelling
• Anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen
• A brace or forearm strap to relieve stress on the tendons
• Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the forearm muscles

If non-invasive treatment does not eliminate symptoms, your doctor may recommend:

• Steroid injections
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

With consistency, most patients improve within weeks to a few months.

Surgical Treatments

Surgery may be considered if:

• Symptoms last longer than 6–12 months
• Nonoperative treatment does not provide relief

Tennis elbow surgery typically involves removing damaged tendon tissue and reattaching the tendon to the bone. This can be done through minimally invasive or open surgical techniques.

What Are the Risks of Tennis Elbow Surgery?

Surgical treatment is generally safe, but potential risks include:

• Persistent pain
• Infection
• Re-tearing of the tendon (rare)
• Nerve injury
• Loss of strength or range of motion
• Scar tissue formation

Working with an experienced orthopedic surgeon and sticking to your rehabilitation program can help reduce the chance of complications.

What Does Recovery from Tennis Elbow Surgery Involve?

Recovery typically includes:

• Wearing a brace or sling for support
• Starting gentle movement exercises after a few days
• Progressing to physical therapy for strength and flexibility
• Gradual return to normal activities over time

Avoiding heavy lifting or repetitive motions early in recovery is key to healing well.

How Long Does Recovery from Tennis Elbow Take?

Recovery depends on the treatment strategy used and the severity of the condition.

• Without surgery: Recovery usually takes at least 3 months, but symptoms can persist for up to a year, depending on severity. However, the majority of patients with this diagnosis do NOT need surgery.
• With surgery: Full recovery may take 3 to 6 months, including rehab.

With or without surgery, adhering to your rehabilitation plan is essential to speeding your recovery and achieving the best outcomes.

What Is the Outlook for Tennis Elbow?

The outlook for tennis elbow is excellent. With proper care:

• 90% of patients recover using nonoperative methods
• Surgery, when needed, has a high success rate
• Ongoing strength and flexibility training can prevent recurrence

Most people return to full function without long-term issues.