Tennis elbow may sound like an injury that only affects tennis players, but in reality, it is a common overuse condition that can affect anyone who repeatedly uses their wrist and forearm. The medical term is lateral epicondylitis, and it typically causes pain around the outer part of the elbow. Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) describe tennis elbow as an overuse problem linked to repeated wrist and arm movements, with common symptoms including outer elbow pain, burning discomfort, and reduced grip strength.
1. What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a condition in which the tendons attached to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow become irritated from repeated use. It does not only happen to athletes. It can also develop from computer work, using tools, childcare, cleaning, lifting, or any activity that repeatedly strains the wrist and forearm.
The NHS explains tennis elbow as a condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow. In some cases, it improves with rest, but symptoms can also last for many months or even longer than a year.
2. The Most Common Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
The most common tennis elbow symptoms include the following.
1) Pain on the outside of the elbow
This is the most typical symptom. The pain is located on the outer side of the elbow, not the inner side. Both Mayo Clinic and AAOS describe outer elbow pain as one of the key features of tennis elbow.
2) A burning or stinging sensation
AAOS lists pain or burning around the outer elbow as a common symptom. Some people describe it as sharp, warm, or irritating rather than just sore.
3) Weaker grip strength
You may notice difficulty when opening a jar, shaking hands, holding a cup, or carrying a bag. AAOS specifically mentions weak grip strength as a common symptom.
4) Pain that gets worse when using the wrist
Mayo Clinic explains that tennis elbow is related to repeated wrist and arm movements. Because of that, the pain often worsens when you lift your wrist, twist your forearm, or grip objects tightly.
5) Symptoms that come on gradually
In many cases, tennis elbow does not start with one obvious injury. Instead, the discomfort often begins mildly and gets worse gradually over weeks or months. AAOS notes that symptoms often develop slowly rather than from a sudden accident.
3. Signs That May Suggest Tennis Elbow
| Check Point | Typical Tennis Elbow Pattern |
|---|---|
| Pain location | Outside of the elbow |
| Activities that make it worse | Lifting, opening jars, handshakes, mouse use |
| How it starts | Usually gradual, not sudden |
| Other common symptoms | Burning sensation, tightness, weak grip |
If your symptoms match this pattern, tennis elbow may be one possible explanation. However, self-checking is not the same as a diagnosis. Other elbow conditions can cause similar pain as well.
4. Conditions That Can Be Confused with Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow mainly causes pain on the outside of the elbow. By contrast, golfer’s elbow usually causes pain on the inside of the elbow. Mayo Clinic also explains that the main difference between the two conditions is the location of the pain.
Other elbow conditions can also be confused with tennis elbow. For example:
- Elbow bursitis may cause more visible swelling
- Arthritis may come with stiffness, grinding, or limited movement
- Other nerve-related issues may cause tingling or numbness
In other words, not all elbow pain is tennis elbow. If you also have swelling, joint locking, severe loss of motion, or numbness, another condition may be involved.
5. When You Should See a Doctor
You should consider seeing a doctor if:
- the pain lasts for several weeks or longer
- it does not improve with rest
- everyday activities like lifting a cup or turning a doorknob become difficult
- your arm feels weaker and your grip strength clearly drops
- the pain starts spreading or becomes severe enough to bother you at night
The NHS notes that tennis elbow may improve with rest, but it can also become long-lasting. Mayo Clinic also recommends evaluation when pain linked to repeated wrist and arm use continues rather than improves.
6. Final Summary
The key symptoms of tennis elbow are pain on the outside of the elbow, a burning sensation, weaker grip strength, and pain that gets worse when using the wrist or hand. If simple activities like opening a jar, holding a cup, using a mouse, or shaking hands become uncomfortable, tennis elbow is one possible cause to consider.
That said, elbow pain is not always tennis elbow. Golfer’s elbow, bursitis, arthritis, and other problems can cause similar symptoms. If the pain becomes persistent or starts interfering with daily life, getting a proper diagnosis is important.
Based on guidance from Mayo Clinic, the NHS, and AAOS, tennis elbow is common, but it can also last a long time if ignored, so recognizing the early symptoms matters.