Tennis Elbow

The main cause of tennis elbow is repetitive motion. Activities that involve repeated wrist extension, gripping, or lifting can strain the tendons in the forearm. Overuse prevents the tendon from healing properly, which leads to ongoing irritation.

Common activities that can contribute include playing racquet sports, especially with poor technique, as well as jobs or hobbies that involve repetitive hand and arm movements. Examples include painting, plumbing, carpentry, cooking, typing, and using tools like screwdrivers or power drills.

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing tennis elbow. Age is one factor, as it is most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50. Occupation plays a role, particularly for people whose work involves repetitive arm motions. Poor technique in sports or improper equipment, such as using a racquet that is too heavy or has the wrong grip size, can also increase stress on the tendons.

Muscle weakness and lack of flexibility in the forearm can make the tendons more vulnerable to injury. Additionally, starting a new activity suddenly or increasing intensity too quickly without proper conditioning can lead to overuse.

The most common symptom of tennis elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow. This pain may start as mild and gradually worsen over time. It can spread down the forearm toward the wrist and may become more noticeable when you use your hand or arm.

You may feel pain when gripping objects, shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or lifting items like a coffee cup. Activities that involve extending the wrist, such as typing or using a mouse, can also trigger discomfort.

Another common symptom is weakness in the affected arm. You might notice a reduced ability to grip or hold objects securely. Some people experience stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning or after periods of rest.

In most cases, the pain is limited to the outside of the elbow and does not involve significant swelling. However, the discomfort can interfere with daily activities and reduce overall arm function if left untreated.

Tennis elbow is typically diagnosed through a combination of a medical history and a physical examination. Your Accelerate Orthopedics clinician will ask about your symptoms, daily activities, and any repetitive motions that may be contributing to the problem.

During the physical exam, they will check for tenderness on the outside of the elbow. They may ask you to move your wrist or arm in certain ways to see if it causes pain. For example, you might be asked to extend your wrist or grip an object while the provider applies resistance. Pain during these movements is a common sign of tennis elbow.

In most cases, imaging tests are not needed to confirm the diagnosis. However, if symptoms are severe, do not improve with treatment, or if another condition is suspected, your provider may recommend additional tests. These can include X-rays to rule out other problems like arthritis, or advanced imaging such as an MRI or ultrasound to evaluate the tendons more closely.

Early diagnosis is important because it allows for timely treatment and can help prevent the condition from becoming chronic. If you are experiencing persistent elbow pain, especially with repetitive activities, it is a good idea to seek evaluation.

Understanding tennis elbow is the first step toward recovery. With proper care, activity modification, and guidance from a specialist, most people can return to their normal activities with reduced pain and improved function.