Doctronic

Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Jerome Albert Ecker | MD

Medically reviewed by Jerome Albert Ecker | MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Duke University - Durham, NC on September 22nd, 2023.

Key Takeaways

  • Lateral epicondylitis affects the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon most commonly, causing degeneration rather than inflammation despite the "itis" name—peak incidence occurs between ages 35-50.

  • Pain typically worsens with gripping activities like turning doorknobs or lifting coffee cups, and 60% of patients experience symptoms for over 6 months without treatment.

  • The "coffee cup test" helps diagnose the condition—inability to lift a full cup with the affected arm extended indicates likely lateral epicondylitis.

  • Eccentric strengthening exercises (slowly lowering weight after lifting) show 80-90% success rates when performed 2-3 times daily for 6-12 weeks, outperforming rest alone.

  • Counterforce bracing worn 1-2 inches below the elbow during activities reduces tendon stress by 15-20%, while platelet-rich plasma injections may help in resistant cases after 6 months of conservative treatment.

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain and tenderness in the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow can affect anyone who performs repetitive arm movements, not just tennis players. If you're experiencing elbow pain, it's important to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available to you.

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is caused by repeated arm movements that strain the muscles and tendons in your forearm. Over time, these repetitive motions can cause microscopic tears in the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow. Some common activities that can lead to tennis elbow include:

  • Tennis, racquetball, and other racket sports

  • Weightlifting and other strength training exercises

  • Carpentry, painting, and other manual labor jobs

  • Typing, knitting, and other repetitive hand movements

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The main symptom of tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outside of your elbow, where the injured tendons connect to the bone. You may also experience pain that radiates into your upper or lower arm, and you can have tennis elbow in both arms. Other common symptoms include:

  • Pain when lifting objects or gripping things tightly

  • Pain when opening doors or shaking hands

  • Pain when raising your hand or straightening your wrist

  • Weakness in your arm or difficulty moving it

  • A lump or bulge in your elbow or arm

Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Diagnosing Tennis Elbow

If you're experiencing elbow pain and tenderness, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also order imaging tests such as an MRI, X-ray, or electromyography to rule out other conditions and assess the extent of the damage to your tendons.

Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow

Most cases of tennis elbow can be treated without surgery. The first step is to rest your arm and avoid activities that cause pain. Other non-surgical treatment options include:

  • Icing your elbow for 15 minutes every 3-4 hours

  • Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling

  • Doing physical therapy exercises to stretch and strengthen your arm muscles

  • Wearing a brace or support to protect your elbow during activities

  • Getting steroid injections to reduce inflammation in severe cases

If your symptoms don't improve after several months of non-surgical treatment, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the damaged tendons. Surgery for tennis elbow is usually done on an outpatient basis and involves making small incisions in your elbow to remove damaged tissue and reattach healthy tendons to the bone.

Preventing Tennis Elbow

To reduce your risk of developing tennis elbow, it's important to:

  • Use proper form and technique when playing sports or doing repetitive activities

  • Stretch and warm up before exercising or playing sports

  • Take breaks and avoid overusing your arm

  • Use equipment that is appropriate for your size and skill level

  • Strengthen your arm muscles with exercises recommended by a physical therapist

If you do develop tennis elbow, be patient with the healing process and don't push yourself too hard too soon. With proper rest and treatment, most people recover fully from tennis elbow within a few months to a year.

For more information on tennis elbow causes, symptoms, and treatment options, check out these reputable sources:

The Bottom Line

Most cases resolve within 6-12 months using eccentric exercises and activity modification, though proper technique is crucial for recovery. Early intervention with appropriate exercises and bracing typically prevents the need for more invasive treatments. If you're experiencing persistent elbow pain that interferes with daily activities, Doctronic can help you determine the best treatment approach.

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