What is it?
Tennis elbow is a painful overuse condition affecting the tendons that attach to the outer bony prominence of the elbow (lateral epicondyle). Despite the name, it is common in any activity involving repetitive wrist or forearm use — not just tennis.
Common causes
- Repetitive gripping, turning, or lifting (cooking, carpentry, typing)
- Sudden increase in racquet sport play
- Poor technique in sports or manual work
- Age-related tendon degeneration
- Weak shoulder and scapular muscles increasing forearm load
Signs and symptoms
- Pain and tenderness at the outer elbow
- Pain worsening when gripping, twisting (opening jars), or lifting
- Weakness in grip strength
- Morning stiffness at the elbow
- Pain radiating into the forearm with activity
Physiotherapy treatment at VPARC
- Eccentric and isometric wrist extensor exercises
- Elbow taping or counterforce brace for symptom relief
- Manual therapy for the elbow, forearm, and cervical spine
- Correction of technique in sport or work tasks
- Gradual progressive tendon loading programme
What you can do at home
- Use an elbow strap (counterforce brace) during aggravating activities
- Begin isometric wrist extension: press the back of your hand against a wall and hold
- Avoid repetitive gripping during the acute phase
- Apply ice to the outer elbow after activity
When to visit VPARC
Visit VPARC if elbow pain persists more than 6 weeks or is affecting work and daily activities. Most cases resolve with physiotherapy. Steroid injections provide short-term relief but physiotherapy gives better long-term outcomes.
Call +91 98896 78838 or read more on our Tennis Elbow Treatment in Varanasi page. This leaflet is general information and does not replace a medical assessment.