RA
1
1
Mild severity
· Orthopedics
Tennis Elbow
Lateral epicondylitis · Outer elbow pain
Overuse damages tendons attached to the outer elbow. Painful gripping and lifting — load management and physiotherapy work better than steroids long-term.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Common in painters, racket sports
- Typical age
- 30–50 years
- Outlook
- Self-limiting in months
- System
- Bones
Reviewed by a verified Orthopedics doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Repetitive wrist extension
- Racket sports, painting, plumbing
- Poor technique or grip size
- Sudden increase in activity
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Pain on outer elbow
- Worse with gripping or lifting
- Weak grip strength
- Painful handshake
- Slow progression
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Activity modification, load management
- Counterforce brace
- Eccentric forearm strengthening
- Shockwave therapy
- Surgery rarely needed
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Use proper technique and grip size
- Build forearm strength
- Stretch before activity
- Modify repetitive tasks
Do’s
- Do eccentric wrist extensor exercises
- Use a counterforce brace
- Modify grip on tools
- Be patient — months not weeks
Don’ts
- Push through severe pain
- Take repeat steroid shots
- Lift heavy bags with extended arm
- Ignore the tendon for years
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all orthopedics doctors Top 4 doctors for Tennis Elbow
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RS
2
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BS
3
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.