Tennis Elbow: Symptoms, Causes and When to Seek Help

Tennis elbow involves the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow. Repeated loading of these tendons can lead to microscopic changes in tissue structure and persistent pain. It is not usually caused by inflammation alone but by a more complex tendon disorder.

Symptoms may include pain on the outer side of the elbow, tenderness to touch, and discomfort with gripping, lifting a kettle, turning a door handle or shaking hands. Pain can spread into the forearm. Symptoms can vary from person to person and often build gradually over weeks to months.

Risk factors can include repetitive gripping tasks, heavy manual work, prolonged use of tools, keyboard and mouse work, racquet sports and sudden increases in activity. It is most common between the ages of 30 and 60 and often affects the dominant arm.

Medical advice is recommended if elbow pain lasts more than a few weeks, is severe, or is affecting work and daily activities. Assessment is also appropriate for pain following a fall, sudden weakness, numbness in the hand or a locked and swollen elbow.