Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow is tendinopathy of the common extensor tendons on the outside of the elbow. Gripping, lifting, and computer mouse use often flare it, even if you do not play tennis.

What it feels like

Pain sits over the bony point on the outside of the elbow and can travel a short way down the forearm.

Shaking hands, pouring a gallon, turning a doorknob, or lifting with the palm down commonly hurts.

Morning stiffness and a weak or painful grip are frequent complaints.

What is going on

Repetitive wrist extension and gripping overload the tendon insertion at the lateral epicondyle.

The tissue changes are more degenerative tendinopathy than a simple one-day inflammation for many chronic cases.

Neck and radial tunnel problems can mimic lateral elbow pain, so we keep those on the differential.

How we evaluate

Local tenderness, resisted wrist or middle-finger extension, and grip testing usually make the diagnosis clinically.

We check the cervical spine and posterior interosseous nerve territory when the story is atypical.

Imaging is reserved for stubborn cases, trauma, or when injection or procedural planning needs soft-tissue detail.

What we may offer

Load modification and progressive tendon loading through physical therapy are first-line.

Bracing, activity redesign, and time help many people. PRP can be discussed for selected persistent tendinopathy.

Corticosteroid injections may give short windows of relief for some patients; we weigh that against longer-term tendon considerations.

Do I have to play tennis to get tennis elbow?

No. Any repetitive gripping or wrist-extension load can irritate the same tendons.

Will it go away if I rest completely?

Complete rest often helps briefly, then symptoms return with load. Graded tendon loading usually works better.

Can PRP help tennis elbow?

For selected persistent cases it may be discussed. We review evidence and expectations in clinic.

How is this different from golfer's elbow?

Tennis elbow is on the outside of the elbow. Golfer's elbow is on the inside.