If you’ve noticed a sharp pain on the outside of your elbow when lifting a coffee mug, shaking hands, or gripping something, you might be dealing with tennis elbow. Despite its name, you don’t have to play tennis to develop this condition.
So, is tennis elbow painful? Yes. Tennis elbow can cause anything from mild tenderness to persistent pain that makes everyday activities uncomfortable. Understanding what causes the pain and when to seek treatment can help you get back to your normal routine.
What Does Tennis Elbow Pain Feel Like?
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, develops when the tendons connecting your forearm muscles to the outside of your elbow become irritated or damaged from repetitive use.
The pain typically begins gradually and may worsen with certain movements.
Common tennis elbow symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness along the outside of the elbow
- Discomfort when gripping or lifting objects
- A weakened grip
- Pain when twisting your wrist or turning a doorknob
- Aching that extends into the forearm
For some people, the discomfort is only noticeable during activity. Others experience lingering pain that makes even simple tasks difficult.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is generally caused by repetitive stress on the forearm muscles and tendons. Over time, repeated movements can create small areas of tendon damage.
While tennis and other racket sports are common contributors, the condition also affects people who frequently use their hands and arms at work or home.
Activities that may contribute to tennis elbow include repetitive typing or mouse use, painting, gardening, using hand tools, and lifting heavy objects.
Other conditions, including golfer’s elbow, can cause similar discomfort. However, golfer’s elbow typically affects the inside of the elbow rather than the outside.
Does Tennis Elbow Go Away on Its Own?
Mild tennis elbow may improve with rest and changes to activities that aggravate the tendons. However, recovery can take several weeks or months, depending on the severity of the condition.
Continuing repetitive movements without allowing the affected tendons to recover may prolong symptoms.
If your pain persists or interferes with everyday activities, an orthopedic evaluation can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
How Is Tennis Elbow Treated?
Fortunately, most cases of tennis elbow can be managed without surgery.
Common treatment options include:
- Rest and activity modification: Reducing movements that place stress on the affected tendons
- Ice therapy: Helping manage pain after activity
- Bracing: Supporting the forearm during certain activities
- Physical therapy: Improving flexibility and strengthening the affected muscles
- Medications: Managing discomfort when appropriate
For persistent symptoms, additional treatments may be considered. Your orthopedic specialist can recommend an approach based on your symptoms and activity level.
When Should You See an Orthopedic Specialist for Tennis Elbow?
If elbow pain continues despite rest, worsens, or makes everyday activities difficult, it’s time to seek professional care.
At Orthopedic Health of Kansas City, our experienced elbow specialists provide personalized treatment for tennis elbow and other conditions affecting the arm and elbow.
Whether your pain developed from sports, work, or daily activities, our goal is to help you regain strength, improve mobility, and return to doing what you enjoy.
Don’t let persistent elbow pain hold you back. Schedule an appointment with Orthopedic Health of Kansas City to explore your treatment options.
