Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, causes pain on the outside of the elbow and can make everyday tasks like gripping, lifting or shaking hands uncomfortable. You don't have to play tennis to develop it. Any repetitive wrist and forearm motion can strain the tendons around the elbow and lead to this common condition.

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3D illustration of arm muscles, labeled with names like triceps, biceps and radius.

Anatomy of the elbow

The elbow joint connects the upper arm bone (humerus) to the two forearm bones (radius and ulna). On the outside of the elbow, several forearm muscles and tendons attach to a small bony area called the lateral epicondyle. These muscles help extend the wrist and stabilize the hand during gripping and lifting activities.

With repeated use or strain, tiny tears can develop in the tendons where they attach to the bone. Over time, this tissue becomes irritated and weakened, leading to the pain and tenderness associated with tennis elbow.

Overview

Symptoms

You may be experiencing tennis elbow if you notice:

Pain or tenderness on the outer side of the elbow
Discomfort that may radiate down the forearm
Weakness with gripping, shaking hands or lifting objects
Pain when twisting the wrist or forearm
Stiffness or soreness after activity or first thing in the morning

Symptoms often worsen gradually and may persist without proper care.

Causes

Tennis elbow usually develops gradually rather than from a single injury. Common contributing factors include:

Repetitive wrist and forearm motions from sports such as tennis, golf or baseball
Work or hobbies involving frequent gripping or twisting, including carpentry, painting, cooking or computer use
Lifting objects with the palm facing downward
Poor technique during sports or physical tasks
Age-related changes that reduce tendon flexibility and strength

Identifying what's contributing to your symptoms allows our specialists to target treatment and help prevent recurrence.

Risk factors

Certain factors can make tennis elbow more likely to develop, though having one or more doesn't mean you'll experience this condition:

Jobs or hobbies that involve frequent gripping, twisting or lifting
Playing racquet sports, golf or baseball
Poor form or technique during repetitive activities
Being age 30 or older, as tendons naturally lose some flexibility over time

Knowing your risk factors can help you and your care team take steps to protect your elbow.

Diagnosis

Our orthopedic specialists take a thorough, patient-focused approach to diagnosis. Your evaluation may include a discussion of your symptoms, activities and work or sports demands, along with a physical examination to assess pain, grip strength and range of motion. Imaging, such as X-rays or MRI, may be used to rule out other conditions when needed. We explain your diagnosis clearly so you feel informed and confident about your care plan.

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We offer leading-edge treatments for most sports medicine conditions, treating many with medications, bracing, injections and therapy.

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