Tennis Elbow

What is Tennis Elbow?

Lateral Epicondylitis, or Tennis Elbow, is a condition of the elbow which causes inflammation from the wrist to the outside elbow and degeneration of the tendons of the elbow. The tendons attach to the lateral epicondyle, the bony bump on the outer side of the elbow.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow is a common sports injury, especially in the game of Tennis, due to the repetitive use of the wrist and elbow when hitting a tennis ball, hence the name “Tennis Elbow”.

Tennis Elbow can also be caused by:

• Repetitive motions
• Other sports
• Manual work

It is more common in individuals aged 30-60 due to wear and tear on the tendons over time.

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What Are the Symptoms of a Tennis Elbow?

The symptoms of Tennis Elbow vary depending on the severity of the condition.

The most common symptoms of Tennis Elbow include:

• Pain in or around the elbow
• Pain on the outside of the forearm
• Pain that radiates toward the wrist
• Pain when bending your arm
• Difficulty using your wrist and arm for normal activities such as turning a door handle

While Tennis Elbow may seem like a small issue, it must be treated in order to prevent it from getting worse. If left untreated, Tennis Elbow may require surgery.

Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is usually easy to spot with a quick chat and a few simple tests.

Here’s what your doctor will likely do:

• Talk with you about your symptoms – They’ll ask what kind of pain you’re feeling, what activities you’ve been doing, and if you’ve had any past injuries.
• Do a hands-on exam – Your doctor will press on your elbow and guide you through a few arm and wrist movements to see what causes pain.
• Use imaging if needed – If they want to rule out other possible issues, they might order an X-ray or MRI.

The sooner it’s diagnosed, the easier it is to treat — and the better your chances of healing fast.

Effective Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow treatment depends on how bad the symptoms are. Many people feel better with simple at-home care, but if the pain sticks around, there are more advanced options too.

First steps usually include:

• Taking a break from activities that make the pain worse
• Using ice to reduce swelling
• Over-the-counter meds for pain and inflammation
• Gentle stretching and strengthening with physical therapy

If things don’t improve, your doctor might recommend:

• Corticosteroid shots to reduce inflammation
• Shockwave therapy to stimulate healing
• A minimally invasive procedure like ultrasonic tenotomy to remove damaged tissue

Surgery is rarely needed — but it’s available if nothing else works.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Full recovery can take weeks to months, depending on the severity and adherence to the rehabilitation plan.

Rehabilitation focuses on restoring strength and mobility and may include:

• Physical therapy exercises, such as wrist flexor and extensor stretches
• Gradual reintroduction of activities to help prevent re-injury
• Braces or straps to support the elbow during recovery

Living with Tennis Elbow

Managing tennis elbow long-term requires lifestyle adjustments, including:

• Use ergonomic tools to minimize strain on your arm
• Take regular breaks during repetitive tasks
• Practice proper techniques for sports or work activities
• Try heat, massage, or other gentle remedies for pain relief
• Stay active with low-impact exercises to maintain joint health

You don’t have to live with the pain of tennis elbow. At New York Pain Care, we offer treatments that actually work — designed around your lifestyle and goals. Reach out to us today and let’s start your recovery together. Getting back to a pain-free life is possible, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

New York Pain Care
20 Squadron Blvd, Suite 290
New City, NY 10956
(212) 242-8160