Tennis Elbow (Pain on the Outside of the Elbow)
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is pain on the outer side of the elbow caused by overload of the tendon that attaches the forearm muscles to the bone. Despite the name, most people who get it do not play tennis. It comes from repeated gripping and twisting: typing and using a mouse, carrying bags and buckets, washing clothes by hand, using tools, and lifting with the palm facing down. It is commonest between thirty and fifty. Rubbing ointment and resting the arm completely do not fix the tendon. Most cases get better over months, and a physiotherapist can speed recovery with loading exercises and changes to how you grip and lift.
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Symptoms
- Pain on the outside of the elbow that may spread down the forearm
- Pain when gripping, shaking hands, turning a door handle or lifting a kettle
- Weak grip
- Tenderness when pressing on the bony point on the outside of the elbow
- Stiffness of the elbow in the morning
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor or physiotherapist if elbow pain lasts more than a few weeks or stops you working. See a doctor promptly if the elbow is swollen, hot or red, if you cannot straighten or bend it fully, if there is numbness or tingling in the hand, or if the pain followed a fall or injury, as these suggest a different problem that may need an X-ray.
Treatment options
- Reducing the activities that provoke the pain, without stopping use of the arm
- Physiotherapy: progressive strengthening of the forearm tendon
- A forearm strap or brace worn during heavy tasks
- Changes to grip, tools, keyboard and lifting technique
- Simple pain relief or an anti-inflammatory gel
- Specialist review for pain that persists beyond six months to a year despite treatment
What it costs on Mezo
Published cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
I don't play tennis. Can I still have tennis elbow?
Yes. Most people with tennis elbow have never played. Any repeated gripping, lifting or twisting, including office work, can overload the tendon.
How long does tennis elbow last?
It usually improves within a few months, though some cases take a year or more. Strengthening exercises shorten recovery for most people.
Will a steroid injection cure tennis elbow?
A steroid injection can ease pain for a few weeks, but research shows the pain often returns and long-term results can be worse than exercise alone. Most doctors now prefer physiotherapy first.
Need Help?
Paid online. Assessment and a home exercise programme on the first visit.
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