Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is inflammation of the tendons on the outer elbow, causing pain with gripping and wrist extension.

Pain on the outer elbow that may radiate down the forearm, worsened by gripping, lifting, or twisting motions such as shaking hands or lifting a cup.

Repetitive wrist extension and gripping activities cause microtears and degeneration of the extensor tendon origin at the elbow; overuse from sport or manual work is a common trigger.

See a hand surgeon if elbow pain persists beyond several weeks despite rest and activity modification.

Clinical examination for tenderness over the outer elbow and pain reproduced with resisted wrist extension.

Usually a clinical diagnosis; ultrasound or MRI can confirm tendon changes in persistent or atypical cases.

Activity modification, a counterforce brace, physiotherapy, and corticosteroid or other injections for persistent cases.

Surgery is considered when symptoms persist for six to twelve months despite thorough conservative treatment.

Debridement of the damaged tendon tissue at the lateral epicondyle, performed open or arthroscopically.

Light activities resume within a few weeks; full return to sport or heavy gripping activities typically takes three to six months.

Most patients achieve good pain relief and return to prior activity levels, whether treated conservatively or surgically.

Infection, incomplete relief of pain, elbow stiffness, and rarely nerve irritation.