If you’ve ever wondered what is tennis elbow, you're not alone—and the name might surprise you. Also known as lateral epicondylitis, it stems from strain or small tears in the extensor tendons of your forearm. These tendons anchor to the outer elbow (the lateral epicondyle), and when overworked, they trigger inflammation and pain. Though the term references tennis, everyday actions—like typing, painting walls, or using tools—are often the actual culprits.
You’re most at risk when your forearm muscles repeatedly extend your wrist or grip too tight, overloading the tendon to the humerus. In tennis, that may be caused by poor form, heavy racquets, or tightly strung strings Hopkins MedicinePMCWikipedia.
Non-athletes aren't off the hook—plumbers, painters, carpenters, musicians, or people typing all day can develop this condition from repetitive motion or awkward hand positions Mayo ClinicWebMDASRH. Risk factors also include moderate age (30–60), excessive use of vibrating tools, obesity, and smoking Wikipedia.
Tennis elbow typically starts with aching or burning on the outside of your elbow. You might feel the pain travel down into your forearm or wrist and notice a weak grip, making it painful to lift a cup, turn a doorknob, or shake hands Hopkins Medicineboneandjoint.orgWebMD. Movement, pressure, or even resting your arm on a table with your palm down can aggravate it Hopkins MedicineMayo Clinic.
A medical professional usually diagnoses tennis elbow through a physical exam—checking your movement and pinpointing tenderness. They may also exclude issues like arthritis or nerve compression with imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI Hopkins MedicineMayo Clinicboneandjoint.org.
Start with rest, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to calm inflammation. Gentle stretching and strengthening of your forearm can accelerate healing. Wearing a brace or elbow strap can reduce tendon stress during workouts or daily activities Mayo ClinicVerywell Health+1ASRH.
Physical therapy can speed up recovery—targeted exercises, manual therapy, and even dry needling have shown strong results within six weeks Verywell HealthThe Times. Most people see improvement within 4–6 weeks, though some cases linger for months boneandjoint.orgCleveland ClinicVerywell Health.
If symptoms persist beyond six months despite conservative care, injections (though used cautiously), PRP, or even surgery may be explored. However, many experts caution against steroid injections due to risks like delayed healing and recurrence The TimesMax Healthcareboneandjoint.orgVerywell Health.
Warming up, stretching your wrist and forearm before repetitive tasks, strengthening your grip, and using ergonomic tools all help reduce the strain on your elbow PMCBupaThe Times. If you're a racquet sports enthusiast, make sure your grip size, string tension, and technique are suited to you—and allow your body time to rest and recover PMCWikipedia.
Now that you’ve learned what is tennis elbow, recognize that while it can be painful and frustrating, it responds well to early and consistent care. With rest, smart self-care, and targeted exercise, the majority of people recover fully. If the pain continues, don’t hesitate to consult a medical professional to keep you moving pain-free.