What is tennis elbow?

“Tennis elbow” is a term that describes soreness or pain on the outer (lateral) part of the elbow. While tennis elbow is common, playing tennis is only one of many activities that can result in this tendon injury. Also called lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow occurs when there is tendon damage at the elbow where some of the forearm and hand muscles connect to the upper arm bone. It affects the muscles you use when extending your wrist and fingers.

What causes tennis elbow?

Frequent twisting movements of the hand, wrist or forearm usually cause tennis elbow. These are motions you use in everyday actions, such as using a screwdriver, digging in a garden, and playing racquet sports. A direct blow to the outer elbow can also cause tendon damage.

Tennis elbow can also result from using the wrong type of sports equipment or improper technique. A tennis racquet with a grip too large for your hand can put a lot of pressure on your tendon. Hitting the ball late in your swing can also lead to tendon damage.

Tennis elbow generally occurs in adults between the ages of 40 and 60 and is most common during the 40s.

How is tennis elbow diagnosed?

Your health professional can usually tell if tennis elbow is causing your elbow pain by learning the history of the elbow problem, your daily activities, and past injuries. You'll also have a physical exam.

It’s unlikely that you'll have an X-ray to diagnose your elbow pain. However, if your symptoms don't get better with treatment, you may have imaging tests, such as X-ray, magnetic resonance image (MRI), or bone scan. These tests will tell your doctor whether a bone problem or tissue damage is causing your symptoms.

How is tennis elbow treated?

Treatment for tennis elbow includes resting your arm to allow the tendon to heal and taking pain-relief medication. Surgery is seldom needed for tennis elbow.

You may wear a forearm brace or sling for a few days. Applying cold or warmth may help ease pain and stiffness. 1

Once pain eases, a rehabilitation exercise program can help your arm mend, as well as prevent injury. These ongoing exercises work to make the muscles around the injured tendon stronger and more flexible. Changing or stopping activities that may have led to your injury is vitally important in the healing process.

If your symptoms don't improve after 6 to 8 weeks of tendon rest and rehabilitation, your health professional might recommend a corticosteroid injection. This shot may give you weeks of short-term relief to allow you to start a rehabilitation program. Corticosteroids are known to weaken tendon tissue. 2

Patience is a key factor in successful treatment. A typical case of tennis elbow takes 6 to 12 months to heal. Most people recover within a year