Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral elbow tendinopathy, causes pain where the wrist-extensor tendons attach to the outside of the elbow. It commonly follows repeated gripping, lifting or tool use and affects many people who never play tennis.
Common causes and risk factors
• Repeated gripping or lifting
• Manual work or tool use
• Racquet sports
• A sudden increase in activity
• Reduced tendon capacity
Symptoms and signs
• Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow
• Pain lifting a kettle or gripping
• Pain with wrist extension
• Reduced grip strength
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually clinical. Scans are rarely needed unless symptoms are unusual, there was significant trauma or another diagnosis is suspected.
Treatment options
Most cases improve with time, sensible load modification and progressive forearm strengthening. Pain relief and a temporary brace may help. Steroid injections can relieve pain briefly but may be linked with poorer longer-term outcomes. Surgery is rarely required.
When should I see a specialist?
Arrange an assessment if you have:
• Persistent symptoms beyond several months despite rehabilitation
• Marked weakness or loss of function
• Numbness, neck pain or an uncertain diagnosis
• A traumatic injury or locked elbow
Frequently asked questions
How long does it last?
Symptoms often improve over months rather than days. Recovery varies and occasional flare-ups are common.
Should I stop using the arm?
Complete rest is rarely helpful. Reduce provoking loads and rebuild capacity gradually.
Do injections cure it?
Injection do not cure tendon overload. Steroid may help briefly, but rehabilitation remains central.
What does the evidence say?
The BESS tennis elbow pathway supports education and exercise while describing evidence for injections, shockwave and surgery as limited or mixed.
Appointments
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