Tennis elbow: symptoms, causes, treatment

🎾 Tennis elbow: symptoms, causes, exercises, and treatment

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is one of the most common pain conditions in the elbow area — it occurs in athletes as well as in people who work for long periods on a computer or perform repetitive arm movements. Despite the name, only a small fraction of cases are related to tennis. Furthermore, the condition is a muscle-tendon lesion that develops when the extensor muscles of the forearm are overloaded. For this reason, tennis elbow is so common in daily life.

💡 What is tennis elbow?

Over 20 different clinical manifestations of this condition are described in the literature. Despite the variety, tennis elbow most commonly involves:

• 🔸 inflammation or degeneration in the lateral epicondyle area
• 🔸 overload of the wrist extensor tendons
• 🔸 contractile dysfunction according to Cyriax and McKenzie

The combination of these factors leads to pain, weakness, and limitation in movements. In addition, in more advanced cases, symptoms can also spread to the forearm.

🔍 Symptoms of tennis elbow

🔹 Pain on the outside of the elbow

This is the main symptom. The pain can be felt:

• at rest
• during wrist extension
• when gripping objects
• when shaking hands
• when lifting a glass or bottle

Furthermore, the pain often intensifies with repetitive movements.

🔹 Pain radiating down the forearm

During an exacerbation, the discomfort may spread to:

• the outer part of the forearm
• the middle three fingers
• the tendon area

🔹 Weakness

Patients often experience:

• weakness when gripping
• weakness during wrist extension
• difficulty grasping objects

Therefore, even daily activities can become challenging.

🔹 Numbness and tingling (pins and needles)

Sometimes, mild paresthesias appear in the epicondyle area or down to the fingers.

🧩 Causes of tennis elbow

Most often, the condition develops as a result of overload, but there are also additional factors:

• 🔸 degenerative changes in the tendons
• 🔸 reduced blood circulation in the area
• 🔸 repetitive gripping movements
• 🔸 working with a mouse and keyboard
• 🔸 sports with a lot of wrist extension (tennis, padel, badminton)

For this reason, tennis elbow occurs in both active athletes and office workers.

🧭 Types of tennis elbow by location

Depending on which muscle or tendon is affected, we distinguish several types:

• 🎯 problem in the extensor carpi ulnaris
• 🎯 problem in the extensor carpi radialis longus
• 🎯 problem in the extensor carpi radialis brevis
• 🎯 problem in the extensor muscle mass

Accurate diagnosis is made through tests and palpation, as different structures produce different pain patterns.

🧪 How to recognize tennis elbow: self-tests

✔️ Extensor carpi ulnaris test

Push your hand outwards against resistance. If this provokes the pain, this muscle is likely affected.

✔️ Thumb extensors test

Place your hand slightly inwards and push upwards. Pain in the epicondyle indicates the involvement of ECRL/ECRB.

💆 Massage and techniques to relieve tennis elbow

🔸 Tendon friction

Locate the painful point through palpation and massage gently for 10–15 minutes, 3 times a week. This improves blood circulation and aids recovery.

🔸 Pincer massage of the muscles

Suitable if the pain comes from the muscle mass. Furthermore, it reduces tension and improves mobility.

🔸 Joint capsule mobilization

A slight “popping” movement in the elbow, performed 10–15 times, several times a day. This improves mobility and reduces stiffness.

🏋️ Exercises for tennis elbow

Exercises are crucial for recovery. Start with light loads and progress gradually.

Isometric exercises

• relaxed wrist
• hold for 3–5 seconds
• without severe pain

Eccentric exercises

• assist with the healthy hand to lift
• slowly lower it down

Full extension with weight

When the pain subsides, you can move on to a larger range of motion.

🔹 Finger exercises

Especially important for office work — for example, with rubber bands or resistance from the other hand.

🎗️ Kinesiotaping for tennis elbow

The tape can support movement and reduce the load. It is applied:

• from the epicondyle
• to the base of the middle three fingers
• without stretching at the beginning and the end

Moreover, it is most effective when combined with massage and exercises.

⏳ How long does recovery take?

With good rehabilitation, the period is between 2 and 12 weeks. However, chronic cases may require more time.

🏥 Medical interventions

In some cases, the following may be discussed:

• corticosteroid injections
• prolotherapy
• surgical treatment (for symptoms lasting over 6 months)

🚨 When to seek a specialist?

• if the pain lasts more than 2–3 weeks
• if there is severe weakness
• if the symptoms worsen
• if the pain interferes with work or sports

The earlier an assessment is made, the faster the recovery.

🏁 Conclusion

Tennis elbow is a common but fully treatable condition. With proper diagnosis, massage, exercises, and gradual loading, most people recover completely. If you feel pain on the outside of your elbow or suspect tennis elbow — book an appointment at Omni Health for an accurate assessment and a personalized recovery program. 💙