Tennis Elbow
ELBOW PAIN & OVERUSE
Tennis elbow is an overuse condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow, often with gripping, lifting, twisting, or repetitive arm activity. Symptoms can build gradually and may interfere with work, sports, and daily tasks.
- Outer elbow pain with gripping
- Tenderness near the elbow bone
- Weak grip or lifting pain
- Care depends on severity
Evaluation & Next Steps
- Clear severity assessment and next steps
- Supportive care and recovery guidance
- Care across 4 Las Vegas locations
Call: (702) 703-4340
Hours: Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm
On this page
Quick Summary
Key takeaway: Tennis elbow usually develops when the tendons on the outside of the elbow become irritated from repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist motion. Evaluation helps confirm the source of pain and guide recovery, activity changes, rehabilitation, or additional treatment when symptoms persist.
Many cases improve with activity modification, support, and guided strengthening over time. Persistent pain, weakness, or symptoms that keep returning may need closer evaluation to rule out tendon injury or another cause of elbow pain.
Overview
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is irritation of the tendons that attach near the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, it can affect athletes, workers, caregivers, tradespeople, office users, and anyone who repeatedly grips, lifts, twists, or loads the wrist and forearm.
Why Evaluation Matters
Evaluation matters because elbow pain can come from tendon irritation, joint problems, nerve compression, muscle strain, or referred pain from nearby areas. Identifying the likely source helps guide safe activity changes, rehabilitation, imaging when needed, and follow-up planning.
Symptoms
Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen with gripping, lifting, turning a doorknob, holding tools, racquet sports, or repetitive wrist motion.
Outer Elbow Pain
Pain is usually felt on the outside of the elbow and may spread into the forearm during gripping or lifting.
Grip Weakness
The hand or forearm may feel weaker when carrying objects, shaking hands, using tools, or opening jars.
Tenderness and Irritation
The outside elbow area may feel tender to touch, sore after activity, or irritated after repeated use.
Pain With Daily Tasks
Simple movements like lifting a cup, typing, cooking, or carrying bags can become uncomfortable when symptoms flare.
Seek care now if…
Seek care promptly if elbow pain follows a major injury, swelling or bruising is significant, the elbow looks deformed, numbness or weakness develops, or pain is severe and not improving.
Causes & Risk Factors
Tennis elbow commonly develops from repeated strain on the forearm muscles and tendons that help extend the wrist and stabilize the elbow during gripping or lifting.
Common Causes
- Repetitive gripping or lifting
- Racquet or throwing sports
- Tool or keyboard overuse
- Forearm tendon irritation
- Sudden overload or strain
Symptoms often build when tendon load exceeds the tissue’s ability to recover, especially with repetitive hand, wrist, and forearm activity.
Risk Factors
- Repetitive work tasks
- Frequent lifting or gripping
- Racquet or paddle sports
- Poor wrist or elbow mechanics
- Prior elbow or forearm injury
- Rapid training increase
Diagnosis
Diagnosis starts with symptom review, activity history, physical exam, and strength testing. Imaging may be considered when symptoms persist, the diagnosis is unclear, or a more significant tendon or joint problem is suspected.
Typical Evaluation
- Symptom and activity review
- Elbow and forearm exam
- Grip and strength testing
- Tenderness location check
- Imaging when needed
What to Bring
- Timeline of symptoms
- Work or sport activity details
- Prior imaging or reports
- Treatments already tried
- Current medications
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on symptom duration, tendon irritation, activity demands, strength findings, and whether pain is improving with conservative care or interfering with normal function.
Related care: Treatment planning may include activity modification, bracing or strap support, rehabilitation, imaging review, injections, or additional treatment discussion when symptoms are persistent.
Early Care
- Reduce painful gripping
- Modify lifting technique
- Calm tendon irritation
- Avoid repeated overload
Bracing / Support
- Counterforce strap when useful
- Wrist support in select cases
- Work or sport adjustments
- Ergonomic changes
Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
- Forearm strengthening
- Tendon loading progression
- Wrist and elbow mechanics
- Return-to-activity planning
Additional Evaluation
- Pain lasting for weeks
- Grip weakness persists
- Symptoms keep returning
- Diagnosis is unclear
Recovery
Recovery depends on how long symptoms have been present, how much tendon irritation exists, activity demands, and whether aggravating movements can be reduced while strength and tolerance improve.
What Helps Most
- Load management: Reducing painful gripping and lifting helps calm irritation.
- Consistent rehab: Gradual strengthening supports tendon recovery.
- Better mechanics: Wrist and elbow positioning may reduce strain.
- Activity pacing: Returning too quickly can restart symptoms.
- Follow-up: Persistent pain may need further evaluation.
When to Follow Up
- Pain is worsening: Symptoms are increasing instead of improving.
- Grip remains weak: Lifting or holding objects stays difficult.
- Symptoms recur: Pain keeps returning with normal activity.
- Motion is limited: Stiffness or guarding is increasing.
- Diagnosis is unclear: Other causes may need to be ruled out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tennis elbow is usually caused by irritation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow from repeated gripping, lifting, twisting, or wrist motion.
No. Tennis elbow can affect anyone who repeatedly uses the wrist, hand, or forearm for work, sports, tools, lifting, or daily tasks.
Evaluation is recommended if pain is persistent, grip strength is reduced, symptoms interfere with work or activity, or the diagnosis is unclear.
Many cases improve with activity changes, support, and rehabilitation. Persistent or severe symptoms may need additional treatment planning.
Treatment may include activity modification, bracing or strap support, rehabilitation, imaging review, injections, or further evaluation depending on severity.
Recovery varies. Symptoms often improve gradually, but longer-lasting tendon irritation may take weeks to months and may require follow-up care.
Locations
LVVIS West Side Consultation Office
8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148
Consultations and vascular evaluations
LV2 Limb & Vascular Division
8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148
Limb preservation and podiatry partnership care
LVVIS East Procedure Office
2250 E Flamingo Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Procedures, diagnostics, and circulatory care
LVVIS West Side Surgical Center
6120 S Fort Apache Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89148
Advanced vascular and interventional procedures