Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Health note: This article is for general education and is not a medical diagnosis. If you have severe elbow or forearm pain, major swelling, numbness or weakness in your hand, or you can’t move your elbow, wrist, or fingers normally—especially after an injury—seek medical care right away.

Are you experiencing persistent elbow pain along the outer part of the elbow? You might be dealing with tennis elbow, a common condition we treat at Tidewater Orthopaedics.

What is a Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that affects the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, this condition isn't limited to tennis players—it can affect anyone who performs repetitive arm movements. This pain often centers on the outer part of the elbow.

Common Causes of Tennis Elbow

1. Racquet sports (tennis, racquetball, squash)
2. Repetitive work activities (painting, plumbing, carpentry)
3. Weightlifting
4. Prolonged computer use or typing

Recognizing Tennis Elbow Symptoms

Recognizing tennis elbow symptoms early can help you start care sooner. If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have tennis elbow:

• Pain on the outer part of the elbow
• Pain radiating down the forearm
• Weakness in the wrist or hand
• Difficulty gripping objects
• Pain when lifting or bending the arm

Diagnosing Tennis Elbow

At Tidewater Orthopaedics, our specialists use a combination of physical examinations and imaging tests to accurately diagnose tennis elbow. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and faster recovery.

Tennis Elbow Treatment Options

Depending on the severity of your condition, we may recommend one or more of the following tennis elbow treatment options:

1. Rest and activity modification
2. Ice or heat therapy
3. Anti-inflammatory medications
4. Physical therapy exercises
5. Bracing or strapping
6. Corticosteroid injections
7. Surgical intervention (for severe cases)

Preventing Tennis Elbow

Reduce your risk of developing tennis elbow with these preventive measures for preventing tennis elbow:

• Use proper technique in sports and work activities
• Strengthen your forearm muscles
• Use equipment appropriate for your size and strength
• Take regular breaks during repetitive activities
• Incorporate stretching before and after activities

When to Seek Professional Help

Suppose you're experiencing persistent elbow pain that doesn't improve with rest and over-the-counter treatments. In that case, it's time to consult an orthopaedic specialist. At Tidewater Orthopaedics, our team of experts is ready to provide personalized care and treatment for your tennis elbow.

Tennis elbow can be a challenging condition, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients experience significant improvement. Don't let elbow pain hold you back -- contact Tidewater Orthopaedics today for expert care and start your journey to recovery.

Schedule an appointment with our tennis elbow specialists at Tidewater Orthopaedics. Call (757) 827-2480 or click the button below to book your consultation today.

Q&A

Question: What is tennis elbow and who can get it?

Short answer: Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is an overuse injury of the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow. It isn’t limited to tennis players—anyone who performs repetitive arm or wrist movements can develop it.

Question: What causes tennis elbow, and how can I reduce my risk?

Short answer: Common causes include racquet sports (tennis, racquetball, squash), repetitive work activities (painting, plumbing, carpentry), weightlifting, and prolonged computer use or typing. To lower your risk, use proper technique, strengthen your forearm muscles, choose equipment that fits your size and strength, take regular breaks during repetitive tasks, and incorporate stretching before and after activities.

Question: What symptoms suggest I might have tennis elbow?

Short answer: Key signs include pain on the outer part of the elbow, pain that can radiate down the forearm, weakness in the wrist or hand, difficulty gripping objects, and pain when lifting or bending the arm.

Question: How is tennis elbow diagnosed and treated at Tidewater Orthopaedics?

Short answer: Our specialists diagnose tennis elbow using a thorough physical examination and, when appropriate, imaging tests. Early diagnosis supports more effective care and faster recovery. Depending on severity, treatment may include rest and activity modification, ice or heat therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy exercises, bracing or strapping, corticosteroid injections, and, for severe cases, surgical intervention.

Question: When should I see a specialist, and how do I schedule?

Short answer: If elbow pain persists despite rest and over-the-counter treatments, it’s time to consult an orthopaedic specialist. To schedule with Tidewater Orthopaedics, call (757) 827-2480 or use the appointment button to book your consultation.

Sources

1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) - Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) - OrthoInfo - AAOS
2. Mayo Clinic - Tennis elbow - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic