Overview
Tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, caused by overuse and irritation of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bone. Despite the name, most people who get it do not play tennis; it commonly affects people whose work or hobbies involve repetitive gripping or wrist movements. It usually improves over time with appropriate care.
Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow
- Pain that radiates into the forearm when gripping, lifting or twisting
- Weak grip or pain when shaking hands or turning a doorknob
- Discomfort worsened by activities using the wrist and forearm
- Stiffness in the elbow, particularly in the morning
Causes & risk factors
- Repetitive gripping, lifting or wrist movements at work or in sport
- Sudden increase in unaccustomed arm activity
- Poor technique in racket sports or manual tasks
- Age-related changes in the tendon
- Tight or weak forearm muscles
Treatment & self-care
Care often involves modifying aggravating activities, pain relief measures, and a guided programme of forearm stretching and strengthening, with further options considered for stubborn cases. A clinician or physiotherapist confirms the diagnosis and tailors a rehabilitation plan; most cases settle without surgery.
See a doctor urgently if
- Elbow pain is severe, persistent, or not improving over several weeks
- The elbow is hot, swollen or red, or you feel unwell
- Pain followed a fall or direct injury
- You have numbness, tingling or significant weakness in the arm or hand