Tennis elbow is a painful condition caused by repetitive gripping and wrist movements. Most cases improve with rest, exercises, and activity changes.
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common injury that affects the outer part of your elbow. Despite its name, you don't need to play tennis to develop it—any repetitive gripping or wrist extension activity can cause it. The condition involves inflammation and strain of the tendons that attach to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow.
You'll typically feel pain on the outer side of your elbow, especially when gripping objects or extending your wrist. The pain may worsen when you squeeze something, lift, or perform activities that involve repetitive wrist movement. Some people notice the discomfort radiates down the forearm or wrist.
Tennis elbow develops from repetitive activities that stress the tendons on the outside of your elbow. Common causes include racquet sports, but also jobs or hobbies involving repetitive gripping, lifting, or forceful wrist extension—like carpentry, plumbing, or assembly work. Using improper technique or equipment that doesn't fit you properly increases your risk.
Your doctor will examine your elbow and ask about your activities. They may perform simple tests to reproduce the pain, such as asking you to extend your wrist against resistance. Imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasound are sometimes used to rule out other conditions, but most tennis elbow cases are diagnosed based on your symptoms and physical exam.
Most cases of tennis elbow respond well to conservative treatment. Start by modifying your activities—take breaks from the movements that aggravate your elbow and use ice to reduce swelling. Eccentric strengthening exercises (where you slowly lower your wrist after lifting a light weight) are very effective and should be done regularly.
Over-the-counter pain relievers and a counterforce brace (worn just below the elbow) can help reduce symptoms. If conservative treatment doesn't work after several weeks, your doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to promote healing. Surgery is rarely needed and is only considered after months of unsuccessful nonsurgical treatment.
Most people recover within 6 to 12 weeks with appropriate treatment and activity modification. Healing depends on how long you've had the injury and how consistently you follow your treatment plan. Returning too quickly to aggravating activities can delay recovery, so gradual return to normal function is important.
See your doctor if you have persistent elbow pain that doesn't improve with rest and over-the-counter pain relief after a few weeks. Seek immediate care if you have severe pain, significant swelling, or if the pain follows an injury or fall. Your doctor can confirm the diagnosis and recommend the best treatment plan for your specific situation.
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