Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)

Man experiences elbow pain due to joint problems, arthritis, bursitis or epicondylitis tennis elbow. diagnosis treatment, physical therapy or use of painkillers. diseases musculoskeletal system.

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow, often due to overuse or strain of the forearm muscles and tendons. Despite the name, it is not limited to tennis players it commonly affects people who perform repetitive arm or wrist movements.

Symptoms

  • Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow
  • Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting, or twisting movements
  • Discomfort when shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or using tools
  • Weak grip strength
  • Symptoms may develop gradually and worsen over time

Causes and risk factors

  • Repetitive wrist or arm movements (e.g. typing, DIY, manual work)
  • Overuse of forearm muscles
  • Poor technique in sports or work tasks
  • Age (most common between 40 to 60 years of age)

Diagnosis

Tennis elbow is usually diagnosed based on:

  • Your symptoms and activity history
  • Physical examination: your clinician may press on the elbow and ask you to move your wrist or fingers against resistance
  • Imaging is rarely needed unless symptoms are severe or persistent

Self-care and management

1. Rest and activity modification

  • Avoid or reduce activities that worsen symptoms
  • Take regular breaks from repetitive tasks
  • Use your non-dominant hand where possible

2. Pain relief 

  • Use over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, 
  • Topical anti-inflammatory gels may also help
  • Please consult your GP or Pharmacist

3. Bracing 

  • A forearm strap or elbow brace may reduce strain on the tendon
  • Use during activities that aggravate symptoms

4. Exercises

Once pain begins to settle, start gentle exercises to keep the wrist and elbow flexible and maintain strength.  Grip strength with a soft ball can be helpful within the remits of your pain

When to seek medical advice

  • Pain persists beyond 6 to 12 weeks. Consider self-referral to your local MSK service.
  • Symptoms interfere with daily activities or sleep. Consider self-referral to your local MSK service.
  • You experience swelling, numbness, or weakness. Consider seeing your GP

Outlook

  • Most people recover within 6 to 12 months with self-care.
  • MSK Rehabilitation may be recommended for persistent symptoms.
  • Steroid injections tend not to be used as they can be detrimental to your long-term recovery. They are rarely used to manage symptoms in the short term e.g. to keep people at work 
  • Surgery may be considered very rarely.