Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Most Common Tennis Elbow Symptoms?

S. McNesby
S. McNesby

Lateral epicondylitis, more commonly known as tennis elbow, is one of the most common reasons patients see a medical professional for elbow pain. The most common tennis elbow symptoms include pain along the elbow joint, pain when bending the arm or picking up objects, and pain that runs down the forearm toward the wrist. These symptoms are almost always felt in the dominate arm, so a left handed patient is more likely to feel pain in his left arm. Patients usually report a gradual increase in pain over time; it is generally not from a single instance or injury.

Tennis elbow symptoms can be caused by repetitive motion of any type — not just playing tennis. Painting a ceiling or high wall, hammering nails, and some handicrafts can trigger this condition for some patients. Causes of tennis elbow differ from individual to individual, but once it has developed, most patients report some of the same symptoms.

A syringe for a cortisone injection, which can help with tennis elbow.
A syringe for a cortisone injection, which can help with tennis elbow.

Someone suffering from tennis elbow will usually have pain in the elbow joint, which can range from mild to severe and is usually strongest along the outside of the elbow. Some sufferers are unable to fully flex the elbow joint, while others can, but feel pain when bending or extending the arm. The bony bump that protrudes from the end of the elbow can be a source of pain as well.

People suffering from tennis elbow experience pain in the elbow joint.
People suffering from tennis elbow experience pain in the elbow joint.

Other common symptoms of tennis elbow include pain when grasping or picking up items or pain stemming from normal use. Patients are advised to seek medical help if the pain persists for more than a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can alleviate some of the discomfort, but if it does not go away, a visit to the office of a medical professional is recommended.

A sling may help relieve tennis elbow symptoms.
A sling may help relieve tennis elbow symptoms.

A healthcare professional may recommend different types of anti-inflammatory medications to ease the tennis elbow symptoms. If the symptoms can't be treated with medication, a cortisone injection may help reduce swelling and eliminate pain. In some cases, the elbow may need to be immobilized for a few days with a sling or brace to promote healing. Occasionally, a combination of these techniques will be used to treat tennis elbow.

Tennis elbow pain usually causes pain that runs down the forearm.
Tennis elbow pain usually causes pain that runs down the forearm.

Physical therapy and gentle strength exercises are sometimes recommended for patients suffering from this condition. In some rare cases, surgery may be required. Most medical professionals only consider surgical options for tennis elbow when all other treatments have been unsuccessful. Surgery is considered a last resort, and most sufferers respond well to surgical intervention.

Discussion Comments

Serendip
To help prevent tennis elbow, make sure your stroke is correct when you're playing. Also, use a vibration dampener on your strings (the little rubber thing on the bottom) and make sure you hit the ball in the "sweet spot" of the racket. Apart from the repetitive motion the article mentioned, it's the vibration from the ball not hitting the racket correctly that can aggravate your joints and cause elbow pain. I have been playing tennis for years and have been able to avoid pain by paying extra attention to this.
Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A syringe for a cortisone injection, which can help with tennis elbow.
      By: Swapan
      A syringe for a cortisone injection, which can help with tennis elbow.
    • People suffering from tennis elbow experience pain in the elbow joint.
      By: Galina Barskaya
      People suffering from tennis elbow experience pain in the elbow joint.
    • A sling may help relieve tennis elbow symptoms.
      By: waxart
      A sling may help relieve tennis elbow symptoms.
    • Tennis elbow pain usually causes pain that runs down the forearm.
      By: ruigsantos
      Tennis elbow pain usually causes pain that runs down the forearm.