Tennis Elbow

The most common symptom is pain on the outside of the elbow. This pain may start gradually and become worse over weeks or months. It is often described as aching, burning, or sharp when the arm is used.

Pain typically increases with activities that involve gripping or lifting. Many people notice discomfort when:

• Shaking hands
• Holding a coffee cup
• Opening a jar
• Carrying groceries
• Using tools
• Turning a key
• Typing or using a computer mouse

Some patients feel pain that travels down the forearm. Weakness may also be present, but this is usually due to pain rather than actual muscle damage. The elbow joint itself usually moves normally, but pressing on the bony area on the outside of the elbow often causes tenderness.

Symptoms can interfere with daily activities, work tasks, and recreational activities. In more advanced cases, pain may occur even at rest.

Tennis elbow is caused by repetitive strain. The condition develops when the forearm muscles and tendons are overworked without enough time to recover.

Although tennis players can develop this condition, especially from improper backhand technique, most cases occur in non-athletes. People at higher risk include:

• Construction workers
• Painters
• Plumbers
• Mechanics
• Chefs
• Hair stylists
• Office workers who type frequently

Contributing factors include:

• Any activity that requires repeated gripping, wrist extension (lifting the hand upward), or twisting of the forearm can contribute.
• Sudden increases in activity can also trigger symptoms. For example, starting a new exercise program, beginning a home improvement project, or increasing work demands can overload the tendon.
• Age is another factor. Tennis elbow is most common in adults between 30 and 60 years old. As we age, tendons become less flexible and more vulnerable to stress. Even moderate overuse can lead to injury.
• Poor equipment or improper technique can also play a role. In racquet sports, using the wrong grip size or poor stroke mechanics increases strain on the elbow. In the workplace, poor ergonomics may contribute to repeated stress on the forearm.

In most cases, tennis elbow can be diagnosed with a careful history and physical examination. Imaging is not always necessary.

During your visit at The Joint Preservation Clinic, your physician will ask about your symptoms, daily activities, work demands, and any recent changes in activity level. Understanding how and when the pain began helps identify the underlying cause.

The physical examination focuses on the elbow, forearm, and wrist. Your physician will gently press on the outside of the elbow to check for tenderness. You may be asked to lift your wrist or fingers against resistance. If these movements reproduce your pain, it strongly supports the diagnosis of tennis elbow.

Your range of motion will also be evaluated to ensure there is no stiffness in the joint. Strength testing helps determine how much the pain is affecting your function.

It is important to rule out other causes of elbow pain. Conditions such as nerve compression, arthritis, or ligament injury can sometimes cause similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation ensures an accurate diagnosis.

X-rays may be ordered if there is concern for arthritis or other bone-related issues. In more complex or long-standing cases, an MRI or ultrasound may be used to look at the condition of the tendon. These tests can show tendon thickening or partial tears, but they are not required for most straightforward cases.

Tennis elbow is not simply inflammation. In many cases, it reflects wear and tear within the tendon itself. That is why symptoms can persist if the underlying strain continues.

Early recognition and proper evaluation are critical. Ignoring the pain or pushing through symptoms often leads to worsening discomfort and longer recovery times.