Tennis elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition caused by overusing the tendons in your elbow. It results from repetitive motions of the wrist and arm, leading to inflammation on the outside of the elbow joint.
Overview
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition caused by overusing the tendons in your elbow. It results from repetitive motions of the wrist and arm, leading to inflammation on the outside of the elbow joint.
Symptoms
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Causes
- •Repetitive arm movements
- •Overuse of forearm muscles
- •Improper technique in sports or manual labor
- •Strain from using heavy tools or repetitive gripping
Risk factors
- •Age between 30 and 50
- •Occupations involving repetitive wrist motion
- •Participation in racket sports
- •Poor forearm muscular strength
How it progresses
3 stages- OnsetSymptoms appear, often triggered by a known cause.Often missed
- Active phaseSymptoms peak; self-care or short treatment usually helps.
- ResolutionSymptoms ease over days to weeks with proper care.
How it's diagnosed
- •Physical examination of the elbow and forearm
- •Assessment of pain during specific movements
- •Medical history review
- •X-rays or MRI to rule out other issues
Treatment options
General educational information only — no dosage advice. Always follow guidance from a qualified clinician.
- •Over-the-counter pain relievers
- •Physical therapy
- •Corticosteroid injections for severe pain
- •Shockwave therapy or surgery in rare cases
- •Resting the affected arm
- •Applying ice packs to reduce swelling
- •Using an elbow brace or strap
- •Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises
Complications
- •Reduced quality of life
- •Worsening symptoms over time
- •Recurrence of tennis elbow
Prevention
- •Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- •See a clinician for routine check-ups
When to seek help
- •Symptoms persist beyond a few days
- •Symptoms interfere with daily activities
- •New or worsening symptoms appear
- •Concerning changes related to tennis elbow
- Inability to carry objects or use the arm
- Deformity or visible swelling in the joint
- Pain that prevents sleep or rest
- Fever or redness suggesting infection
In any emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department.
Real-world questions
- ›Can Tennis elbow cause headaches?
- ›Is Tennis elbow reversible?
- ›How quickly does Tennis elbow progress?
- ›Is Tennis elbow hereditary?
- ›Can Tennis elbow be prevented?
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Frequently asked questions
Possible causes of Tennis elbow include Repetitive arm movements, Overuse of forearm muscles, Improper technique in sports or manual labor, Strain from using heavy tools or repetitive gripping.
Tennis elbow is generally mild, but severity can vary. Seek care if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Duration varies between individuals. Many cases improve with appropriate care, while others may persist longer and require ongoing management.
Some milder cases may improve with rest and self-care. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
Consider seeing a clinician if symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening, or if you have any concerns related to general.
Sources
Information based on general medical references such as:
Last reviewed: May 2026