Tennis Elbow
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis or lateral epicondylalgia, is a painful condition affecting the common extensor tendon origin on the outer side of the elbow.
Despite its name, the majority of people with tennis elbow have never played racquet sport. It is primarily a condition of overuse, affecting manual and desk-based workers. Individuals who perform repetitive gripping, lifting or forearm rotation activities are at risk. Specialist Hand Therapy is the most effective non-operative treatment and achieves excellent outcomes in the majority of cases.
What causes Tennis Elbow?
- Repetitive gripping, lifting and forearm rotation, particularly with the wrist extended
- Manual occupations including construction, plumbing, painting and carpentry
- Racquet sports, particularly with poor technique, inadequate equipment or a sudden increase in training load
- Keyboard and mouse use, particularly with the forearm unsupported
- Sudden increase in activity level or change in work tasks
- Age-related tendon degeneration
Signs & symptoms
- Pain and tenderness over the lateral epicondyle, the bony prominence on the outer side of the elbow
- Pain reproduced by gripping, lifting and carrying
- Pain when lifting a kettle, turning a door handle or shaking hands
- Weakness of grip: objects may be dropped unexpectedly
- Morning stiffness and aching around the elbow
- Pain radiating down the forearm towards the wrist
How Hand Therapy can help
Ms Razo provides specialist assessment and evidence-based treatment for Tennis Elbow. Following a thorough initial assessment, a personalised treatment plan will be developed to address your specific needs and goals.
The cornerstone of tennis elbow treatment is modifying the activities driving the condition. Ms Razo provides detailed advice to reduce tendon load while maintaining as much function as possible.
An individualised, graded therapeutic programme designed and supervised by Ms Razo to drive tendon healing and restore strength.
Orthoses, braces and taping techniques can reduce load on the extensor tendon origin during daily activities. Ms Razo advises on the most appropriate option to maximise symptomatic benefit.
Corticosteroid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or other injection therapies may be used as an adjunct in persistent cases. Ms Razo provides structured rehabilitation following injection therapy, once the acute pain response has settled.
Frequently asked questions
-
With appropriate management, most cases of tennis elbow resolve within 3 months. However, without treatment or with continued provocative loading, the condition can persist for 12–18 months or longer. Early specialist input significantly reduces recovery time. A small proportion of patients with chronic, recalcitrant tennis elbow may require surgical intervention.
-
Complete rest is not recommended and may actually delay recovery. The extensor tendon requires supervised rehabilitation programme to drive healing. Ms Razo will guide you through the appropriate balance of rest and activity.
-
No. Though they are often confused, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) affects the common extensor tendon on the outer side of the elbow, while golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) affects the common flexor-pronator tendon on the inner side. Both are tendinopathies caused by overuse, but they have different locations and are provoked by different activities.
Ready to take
the first step?
Book a consultation with Ms Razo and receive a thorough assessment, precise diagnosis and a personal treatment plan.