You do not have to play tennis to develop tennis elbow. This common condition can affect anyone who repeatedly uses the muscles and tendons involved in gripping, lifting, and wrist movement.
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis or lateral elbow tendinopathy, causes pain around the outer part of the elbow. It often develops gradually as the tendons that help extend the wrist become irritated or experience changes associated with repetitive loading.
Although the discomfort may initially seem minor, it can eventually make everyday tasks such as carrying shopping bags, opening jars, or lifting a cup uncomfortable.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
The muscles that help move your wrist and fingers connect to the outer part of the elbow through tendons. Repeated stress on these structures can contribute to tennis elbow.
Potential contributing activities include:
- Repeated gripping or twisting
- Using hand tools
- Painting or performing manual work
- Playing racquet sports
- Lifting objects with the wrist in an awkward position
- Repeated computer-related or household tasks
The condition is not necessarily caused by one sudden injury. In many cases, symptoms develop gradually over time.
What Are the Common Symptoms?
Tennis elbow typically causes discomfort around the outside of the elbow.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness on the outer elbow
- Discomfort when gripping objects
- Pain when lifting with the palm facing downward
- Weakness when holding items
- Pain during wrist extension
- Difficulty completing repetitive hand activities
Symptoms may become more noticeable when performing tasks that require repeated gripping or wrist movement.
How Is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?
A healthcare professional may ask about your work, sports, daily activities, and the way your symptoms developed.
The examination may include checking the location of tenderness, wrist strength, elbow movement, and whether specific movements reproduce the pain.
Additional testing is not always necessary, but imaging may be considered when symptoms are unusual, persistent, or potentially related to another condition.
It is important to distinguish tennis elbow from other causes of elbow discomfort, including nerve problems, joint conditions, and injuries.
How Can Tennis Elbow Be Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the activities contributing to the condition.
Possible approaches include:
- Temporarily modifying aggravating activities
- Adjusting lifting and gripping techniques
- Physical therapy
- Gradual strengthening exercises
- A brace or support in selected cases
- Medication when appropriate
- Other treatment options based on clinical evaluation
Recovery can take time, particularly when the affected tendon continues to experience repeated stress. Returning to demanding activities gradually may help reduce the risk of aggravating symptoms.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Recurring Pain?
Although tennis elbow cannot always be prevented, some practical changes may help reduce unnecessary strain.
Consider using tools with comfortable handles, avoiding excessive gripping force, taking breaks during repetitive tasks, and using appropriate lifting techniques.
If a particular activity repeatedly triggers elbow pain, changing how you perform that task may be helpful.
When Should You Seek Professional Care?
Consider an evaluation if elbow pain persists, repeatedly returns, causes noticeable weakness, or interferes with work and everyday activities.
Pain following a significant injury, major swelling, or an inability to move the arm normally should be assessed promptly.
Take the Next Step Toward Comfortable Movement
Elbow pain can affect much more than sports. It can interfere with work, household responsibilities, exercise, and simple daily tasks.
At CWOPS, Center for Wellness Orthopedic, Pain & Spine, our team evaluates a variety of orthopedic and pain conditions that may affect your movement and function.
If persistent elbow pain is limiting your activities, contact CWOPS at (702) 476-9700 to discuss your symptoms and available treatment options.
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