What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow, medically called lateral epicondylalgia, is pain on the outer side of the elbow caused by overload of the tendons that extend the wrist. Despite the name, most people who get it do not play tennis. It is common with repetitive gripping and wrist work: computer and mouse use, carrying bags, painting, cooking, gardening, manual work and gym training. Golfer's elbow is the same problem on the inner side of the elbow.
Typical symptoms
- Pain on the outer elbow that may spread into the forearm
- Pain when lifting a cup or kettle, shaking hands, turning a key or gripping a tool
- A weak or painful grip
- Tenderness just below the bony bump on the outer elbow
- Morning stiffness in the elbow, though the elbow usually moves freely
How VPARC assesses elbow pain
Dr. Prashant Punj checks the painful spot, tests wrist and finger strength, measures grip, and examines the neck and shoulder because pain from those areas can refer to the elbow. We also ask about your work, sport and daily tasks, since the treatment plan depends on what is overloading the tendon.
Treatment
- Load modification, not complete rest — reduce the aggravating tasks while keeping the arm active
- Progressive tendon loading — gradual strengthening of the wrist and forearm muscles, which is the main driver of recovery
- Hands-on therapy — soft tissue work for the forearm and mobilisation where needed
- Shoulder and grip strengthening — so the elbow is not taking load that other muscles should share
- Technique and ergonomics — racket grip, mouse and keyboard set-up, tool handling
- Bracing or taping — short-term support for some people
- Laser and electrotherapy — as an add-on for pain relief where suitable
Tendons recover slowly, so improvement is usually measured in weeks to months. Steroid injections may reduce pain in the short term; discuss them with your doctor, as exercise-based rehabilitation is the usual first approach.
What you can do at home
- Avoid repeated heavy gripping and twisting while the elbow is sore
- Carry bags close to the body with the palm facing up or use the other arm
- Keep the elbow and wrist moving gently through a comfortable range
- Return to sport or heavy work gradually once the pain settles
When to see a doctor
- Elbow pain after a fall or injury, with swelling, deformity or inability to straighten the arm
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers
- Redness, heat or swelling in the elbow joint, or fever
- Severe night pain or pain that does not change with activity
- No improvement despite several weeks of appropriate treatment