Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Reviewed By – Dr. Sameer Gohir
PhD, MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, PG Cert. Non-Medical Prescribing, MCSP, MAPPN

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition causing pain on the outer part of the elbow.

It’s a form of tendinitis, which means it’s an overuse injury affecting the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow.

Elbow pain from tennis elbow making daily tasks harder? Joint Injection Clinic near Kent and Essex offers care to help ease pain and restore your movement.

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Tennis Elbow

Common Causes of Tennis Elbow

Despite the name, tennis elbow isn’t limited to tennis players. Any activity involving repetitive wrist and arm movements can strain the forearm muscles and tendons, leading to inflammation and tiny tears in the tendons where they attach to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow (the lateral epicondyle).

While improper backhand technique in tennis can be a culprit, many other activities can cause tennis elbow, including:

  • Painting or using a brush or roller
  • Working with hand tools, like chainsaws or hammers
  • Certain occupations involving repetitive hand motions, such as butchering, plumbing, carpentry, or even frequent computer use
  • Weak shoulder and wrist muscles
  • Using improperly sized or strung tennis rackets

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The symptoms of tennis elbow typically develop gradually and can include:

  • Pain or burning on the outer part of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm to the wrist
  • Pain that worsens with activities involving gripping, twisting, or extending the wrist, such as lifting objects, turning a doorknob, or shaking hands
  • Weak grip strength
  • Pain that may persist even at rest in more severe cases

These symptoms can sometimes resemble other conditions, so it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow

The primary goal of tennis elbow treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation, promote healing, and restore function to the elbow. In most cases, non-surgical treatments are effective.

Non-Surgical Treatments:

For early-stage arthritis, conservative treatments are often recommended:

  • Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain is crucial for allowing the tendons to heal.
  • Ice: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and swelling.
  • Physiotherapy: Specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the forearm muscles can help improve flexibility and support the elbow joint.
  • Bracing: Wearing a brace or strap around the forearm can help reduce tension on the affected tendons.
  • Shockwave therapy: Shockwave therapy is used in tennis elbow to promote tissue healing and pain relief with generally low downtime, although research on its efficacy are mixed.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, injecting steroids into the area around the affected tendons can help reduce inflammation and pain temporarily.
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: This involves injecting a concentration of your own platelets into the injured area to promote healing.

Surgical Treatment:

Surgery for tennis elbow is typically considered only when non-surgical treatments have not provided sufficient relief after 6 to 12 months. The goal of surgery is usually to remove the damaged tendon tissue and reattach healthy muscle to the bone. This can be done through a traditional open incision or with a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure. Recovery after surgery can take several months and involves rehabilitation to regain strength and function.

Preventing tennis elbow involves maintaining forearm muscle strength and flexibility, warming up before engaging in activities that stress the elbow, and using proper technique and equipment, especially in sports.

Get Help for Tennis Elbow at Joint Injection Clinic

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) can cause pain on the outside of your elbow, making gripping, lifting, or even simple tasks uncomfortable. If elbow pain is affecting your work, hobbies, or exercise routine, professional treatment can help you recover safely.

At Joint Injection Clinic, our experienced team offers evidence-based care to reduce pain, improve grip strength, and support your recovery.

We welcome patients at all three of our clinics:

Dartford Clinic – ideal for those in Kent and South East London

Address: Unit 30, 1st Floor, The Base Dartford Business Park, Victoria Road, Dartford, DA1 5FS.

Romford Clinic – easily accessible from Essex and Greater London

Address: Room no 8, Alliance Office Space 2-4 Eastern Road, Romford, Essex, RM1 3PJ.

Canterbury Clinic – serving East Kent and surrounding areas

Address: 12-17 Upper Bridge Street, Canterbury, CT1 2NF, United Kingdom.


Using ultrasound-guided assessments for accurate diagnosis, precision-guided injection treatments, and tailored rehabilitation plans, we help reduce pain while restoring elbow strength and mobility so you can confidently return to your daily activities.

Schedule your consultation now!