Tennis Elbow (Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy)

Overview

Tennis elbow is pain and reduced load tolerance around the common wrist-extensor tendon where it attaches to the lateral epicondyle—the bony point outside the elbow. You do not need to play tennis to develop it.

The current term lateral elbow tendinopathy is often more accurate than “epicondylitis,” because persistent symptoms are not simply an inflammatory problem. The tendon has usually become less tolerant of repeated gripping, lifting and wrist-extension load.

What It Usually Feels Like

• Tenderness at or just below the outside elbow
• Pain gripping, shaking hands or lifting a mug
• Pain lifting with the palm facing down
• Reduced grip strength because gripping hurts
• Symptoms that build gradually after a change in work, sport or training volume

These features are suggestive, not diagnostic. Radial-nerve irritation, joint problems and referred neck pain can overlap.

What Often Helps

Complete rest may calm symptoms temporarily but does not rebuild capacity. Early management usually combines:

• Temporarily reducing the most provocative gripping or lifting volume
• Keeping the elbow and wrist moving comfortably
• Progressive wrist-extensor and grip strengthening
• Gradual return to the task or sport that triggered symptoms
• Adjusting tool, racket or lifting setup when it clearly reduces load

An exercise program should be challenging enough to build capacity without causing a sustained flare. A temporary increase in symptoms does not automatically mean harm, but pain that escalates sharply or remains substantially worse the next day usually means the dose needs adjusting.

When to Get It Assessed

Arrange an assessment if pain followed a fall, the elbow locks, swelling is substantial, numbness develops, strength is progressively worsening, or sensible load modification has not helped.

Related Guidance

• Tennis elbow stretch — gentle stretch for the outer-forearm extensors
• Golfer's elbow stretch — the mirror stretch for the inner elbow
• General elbow loading principles — graded strengthening approach
• Tennis elbow recovery timeline — what recovery typically looks like

References

1. AAOS OrthoInfo. “Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis).” https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/tennis-elbow-lateral-epicondylitis/
2. Lucado AM et al. “Lateral Elbow Pain and Muscle Function Impairments: Clinical Practice Guidelines.” Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2022.0302