Outer elbow pain when gripping - Tennis Elbow

A dull ache on the outside of the elbow that flares with gripping, twisting or lifting can turn ordinary tasks, carrying a shopping bag or shaking hands, into a source of dread.

What is it?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is irritation and small-scale damage to the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bony point on the outside of the elbow. The name is a bit of a misnomer: most people with tennis elbow have never held a racket. It is an overuse condition of the tendon, not a sport-specific injury.

Why does it happen?

The condition follows repeated gripping, twisting or wrist-extending movements, the kind involved in using a screwdriver, painting, typing or manual trades. A jump in activity or an unfamiliar repetitive task can trigger it, and it is most common in adults in their 30s to 50s. Smoking and certain health conditions add to the risk, though in many cases there is no single clear cause.

When should I see a hand surgeon?

Most cases improve within a few weeks with rest and simple self-care. An assessment is worthwhile if the pain has lasted beyond six to eight weeks despite these measures, if grip strength drops or the pain limits work and daily tasks, or if there is numbness or tingling, which can point to a different cause such as a nerve problem rather than tennis elbow.

How is it treated?

First-line treatment is activity modification: rest from the aggravating movement, ice, and a course of physiotherapy focused on stretching and gradual strengthening of the forearm muscles. A brace or splint can ease strain on the tendon during recovery, and a steroid injection is an option for pain that limits function in the short term. Surgery is kept for the minority whose symptoms remain despite six to twelve months of non-surgical care, and aims to remove damaged tendon tissue and encourage healing.

If outer elbow pain is holding you back, a hand and wrist consultation at londonhandandwristsurgeon.com can confirm the diagnosis and set out a plan to get you back to full movement. This information does not replace individual medical advice, so please seek assessment for your own symptoms.