Effective Tennis Elbow Treatment: Relieve Pain and Restore Mobility

Does your elbow hurt when you lift something, shake hands, or even hold a cup of tea? That dull, nagging pain might be more than just strain; it could be tennis elbow. Surprisingly, you don’t have to play tennis to get it. Whether you’re typing away at your desk, swinging a hammer, or lifting grocery bags, this common overuse injury can creep in quietly.

But the good news? With the right care, you can fix tennis elbow and restore your arm’s strength. Let’s explore what causes this condition and how you can treat tennis elbow without losing time, strength, or peace of mind.

What Is the Tennis Elbow and What Causes It?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition where the outer part of your elbow becomes sore and tender. It occurs when the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump outside the elbow) develop small tears due to repetitive movements.

This stress commonly affects the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon, leading to inflammation and pain. You don’t have to play tennis to develop tennis elbow, it’s often caused by daily tasks that strain the same muscles over and over. Lateral elbow tendinopathy can develop from typing, painting, lifting weights, or even gardening, where tennis elbow occurs .

Who Is at Risk of Developing a Tennis Elbow?

While it’s famously named after a sport, including racket sports, you don’t need to play tennis to get tennis elbow. In fact, many people with tennis elbow have never held a racquet. Anyone who performs repeated motions involving the wrist and forearm can be at risk. This includes carpenters, plumbers, mechanics, chefs, and computer users.

Even homemakers can develop tennis elbow by lifting bags or stirring heavy dough. Using improper equipment, poor posture, and not warming up the arm are also key risk factors. Often, it affects the dominant arm, making daily life even harder. Those aged between 30–50 are more likely to develop tennis elbow, but age alone isn’t the cause. It’s the mix of repetition, force, and poor technique that leads to arm pain and an injured tendon.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

1. Pain on the outer elbow

The hallmark symptom of tennis elbow is pain on the outer side of your elbow joint, right around the lateral epicondyle. This pain can start as mild discomfort and worsen over time, especially when doing everyday tasks like turning a doorknob or shaking hands.

2. Radiating pain

You might notice the pain travelling down your forearm and sometimes up the upper arm. The ache can range from dull to severe pain, especially when lifting things, typing, or playing sports.

3. Grip weakness

Struggling to hold onto items, open jars, or carry a coffee cup? That could be a sign. Many people with tennis elbow find that their grip strength weakens and experience other symptoms, which can be frustrating in daily life.

4. Stiffness and swelling

Your elbow may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after rest. Swelling might not be visible, but some people feel a “fullness” or tightness around the affected area.

5. Movement limitation

Simple actions, like extending your arm, flexing your wrist, or lifting light objects, can become uncomfortable. You might start avoiding these same motions, but that can lead to further stiffness.

6. Tenderness to touch

Even a light tap on the outer elbow can cause discomfort. You may notice the skin over the lateral elbow feels sensitive or warm to the touch.

7. Increased pain with certain actions

Using a two-handed backhand in tennis, lifting objects with the palm down, or working with tools can sharply increase the pain. Some people feel pain even when writing or holding a phone.

8. Pain during rest

In later stages, pain might persist even when the arm is at rest. You might feel it while sleeping or doing nothing, especially if the injury is left untreated for a long time, which could lead to steroid injections being necessary .

How Is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?

Diagnosing tennis elbow starts with a proper physical exam and your medical history. Doctors don’t rely only on machines; they listen to your story.

1. Medical history review

Your doctor will ask about your job, activities, and when you began to feel pain. They’ll want to know if you’ve done anything repetitive or stressful with your arm, be it sports, housework, or computer usage. They’ll also ask if you’ve had any elbow injuries before.

2. Physical examination

This part is hands-on. The doctor may press around your lateral epicondyle to find the painful area. They’ll check your range of motion, ask you to extend your wrist or lift a weight to trigger symptoms. If these actions cause discomfort, it’s a strong clue.

3. Imaging tests

Usually, imaging isn’t required. But if your symptoms don’t improve or if your doctor suspects another condition, like nerve disease or medial epicondylitis, they might suggest:

• X-rays to rule out arthritis or bone issues
• MRI scans to look at soft tissues, especially the common extensor tendon
• Ultrasound to check for tiny tears or swelling in the injured tissue

4. Differential diagnosis

Sometimes, what feels like tennis elbow might be something else, like a pinched nerve in the neck, ligament damage, or arthritis. A good doctor will rule these out before confirming the diagnosis.

5. Functional assessment

An orthopaedic specialist may observe how you lift, grip, or stretch your arm. They might ask about how you play tennis, use tools, or work on your laptop to identify motions that worsen the issue.

Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward recovery. Once your doctor confirms lateral elbow tendinopathy, the focus shifts to nonsurgical treatment options that match your lifestyle and pain level.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow

Most people recover without tennis elbow surgery. Here’s how you can relieve pain and heal the injured elbow step-by-step:

1. Rest and activity modification: Pause anything that worsens the pain. That might mean adjusting how you lift things, reducing sports, or typing. Rest doesn’t mean total inactivity, just avoiding repeated motions that stress the affected area.
2. Ice therapy and compression: Apply ice packs 3–4 times daily for 15–20 minutes. Cold reduces swelling and numbs elbow pain. Compression sleeves help by reducing inflammation and promoting blood flow.
3. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or diclofenac to reduce pain and swelling. But don’t rely on these long-term. They help reduce severe pain, but they don’t fix the cause.
4. Elbow braces or supports: Wearing a counterforce brace or forearm strap reduces pressure on the common extensor tendon. It distributes force and allows healing. Ensure it fits well and isn’t too tight.

Physical Therapy and Exercises to Restore Strength and Mobility

1. Stretching and strengthening routines

A therapist will guide you through wrist flexor and extensor stretches. Over time, these help loosen the injured tendon and prevent scar tissue from building up.

2. Eccentric loading exercises

These involve slowly lowering weights to strengthen the forearm muscles without triggering pain. Research shows eccentric loading is one of the best ways to treat tennis elbow naturally.

3. Ergonomic adjustments

Therapists may evaluate how you sit, type, or use tools. Small changes in grip, mouse placement, or using your non-dominant arm more often can help reduce pain and prevent stress.

Advanced Treatment Options When Pain Persists

Corticosteroid injections: These help reduce inflammation in the short term. Relief is quick, but the effects might wear off in a few months. Too many injections can weaken the tendon, so doctors use them carefully.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy: A newer treatment, PRP uses your own blood. Doctors extract platelets, a key element of platelet-rich plasma, and inject them into the injured area. It helps increase blood flow and speeds up the healing process of the injured tendon.

Shockwave therapy: Also called extracorporeal shock wave therapy, this uses pulses of energy to stimulate the affected tendon. It promotes blood flow, reduces pain, and supports tissue repair.

Dry needling and manual therapy: Dry needling involves piercing the damaged tendon with a thin needle to trigger healing. Combined with manual therapy (deep tissue massage), it improves mobility and reduces tightness.

When Is Surgery Considered for Tennis Elbows?

If you’ve tried everything for 6–12 months and still feel pain, surgery might be the next step. Tennis elbow surgery involves removing the damaged tissue from the common extensor tendon.

Surgery can be open (with a larger cut) or arthroscopic (with small incisions and a camera). Most people go home the same day.

Recovery involves wearing a brace, gentle therapy, and avoiding heavy lifting for a few weeks. Most return to full activity in 3–6 months. Post-surgery physical therapy is key to restoring strength and flexibility.

Preventing Recurrence: Tips for Long-Term Relief

1. Proper technique and equipment

Whether you play tennis, type, or paint, use tools that suit your size and strength. Don’t over-grip. Use two hands when possible. If you’re an athlete, get a coach to review your posture and swing mechanics.

2. Strength maintenance

Regularly work on your forearm, wrist, and upper arm strength. Use light weights and focus on both sides of your body, especially if one arm is dominant.

3. Warm-up and posture habits

Warm up your muscles before activities. Take short breaks during repetitive tasks. Keep your wrist neutral, shoulders relaxed, and avoid slouching. Posture protects the elbow joint, too.

SRM Global Hospitals – Helping You Access the Best Care for Tennis Elbow

When it comes to tennis elbow treatment, expert care can make all the difference. At SRM Global Hospitals, we believe that no one should live with long-term elbow pain.

Our orthopaedic team specializes in treating lateral epicondylitis and other elbow injuries. From accurate diagnosis by orthopaedic surgeons, advanced physical therapy, to cutting-edge options like PRP, shockwave therapy, and dry needling, we offer personalised care for every patient.

Don’t ignore persistent pain or try to manage it alone. Our therapists and doctors will work with you closely to find the right treatment path, be it conservative or surgical.

Book your appointment today at SRM Global Hospitals and take the first step toward full recovery. Let us help you move pain-free, stay strong, and regain control of your daily life.

Conclusion

Tennis elbow may be common, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Understanding the tennis elbow, identifying the tennis elbow symptoms, and acting early can prevent long-term damage. Whether you need rest, therapy, or advanced care to prevent tennis elbow , treatment works best when started on time. Don’t wait. If your elbow pain keeps coming back, it’s time to consult an expert and treat tennis elbow the right way.

FAQs

1. Can I treat tennis elbow at home?

Yes, with rest, ice, and simple stretching. But if it lasts beyond a few weeks, seek medical help.

2. How long does a tennis elbow take to heal?

It usually heals in 6–12 weeks with the right care. Chronic cases may take longer.

3. Is tennis elbow permanent?

No, it’s not. With proper treatment and therapy, most people recover fully.

4. Can I prevent tennis elbow?

Yes. Use proper technique, warm up before tasks, and strengthen your arm muscles regularly.

5. Should I wear a brace for tennis elbow?

Yes. A forearm strap or brace can reduce pressure on the injured tendon and speed healing.