Key Takeaways
- Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow.
- Most people who develop tennis elbow have never picked up a racquet. The condition is common in painters, plumbers, carpenters, and office workers.
- Symptoms usually include pain in the outer elbow, weak grip strength, and discomfort when lifting or twisting.
- Most cases improve with rest, physical therapy, bracing, and targeted injections, with surgery reserved for the small percentage that does not respond.
- St. Vincent's Orthopedics treats tennis elbow at five Birmingham-area locations, including Gardendale, Clanton, Vestavia Hills, and One Nineteen. Request an appointment to start a personalized treatment plan.
What Tennis Elbow Is and Who Gets It
Tennis elbow, known medically as lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury of the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow. Repeated gripping, twisting, and wrist extension cause tiny tears in these tendons, leading to pain and weakness over time.
The name is misleading. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, tennis elbow is most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50, and less than 5 percent of cases are actually related to playing tennis. Anyone whose work or hobbies involve repetitive arm motion can develop the condition.
Common groups affected by tennis elbow include:
- Painters, plumbers, carpenters, and construction workers
- Cooks, butchers, and assembly line workers
- Office workers who spend long hours on a keyboard and mouse
- Musicians, especially those who play stringed instruments
- Recreational athletes in tennis, pickleball, racquetball, and golf
If you live in the Birmingham area and your elbow pain is interfering with daily tasks, an elbow specialist near you can help identify whether tennis elbow is the underlying cause.
Common Symptoms and Risk Factors
Tennis elbow typically develops gradually. Pain often starts as a mild ache and builds over weeks or months as the tendons continue to be stressed. Watch for these symptoms:
- A burning or aching pain on the outer side of the elbow
- Pain that radiates down the forearm
- Weakened grip, especially when shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or holding a coffee cup
- Discomfort when lifting objects with the palm facing down
- Stiffness in the elbow, particularly in the morning
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing tennis elbow:
| Risk Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Age 30 to 50 | Tendon elasticity decreases with age, making microtears more likely |
| Repetitive wrist and arm motion | The single biggest contributor to tendon overload |
| Poor technique in sports or work | Improper form transfers more strain to the elbow tendons |
| Inadequate equipment | An ill-fitting racquet grip, tool, or workstation increases stress on the tendons |
| Sudden increase in activity | A jump in training volume or work intensity can trigger symptoms |
The Cleveland Clinic notes that tennis elbow affects approximately 1 to 3 percent of adults each year, making it one of the most common overuse injuries of the upper extremity.
Nonsurgical Treatments for Pain Relief
The good news for most patients is that tennis elbow responds well to conservative care. The St. Vincent's Orthopedics team typically starts with nonsurgical treatments and reserves surgery for cases that do not improve.
Common nonsurgical options include:
- Activity modification. Identifying the motions that aggravate symptoms and adjusting them is the first step. Sometimes a brief period of rest is all that is needed.
- Physical therapy. Eccentric strengthening exercises help rebuild the affected tendons and improve forearm endurance. A therapist can also evaluate technique for sports or work tasks.
- Counterforce bracing. A forearm strap worn just below the elbow can reduce tension on the affected tendon during activity.
- Anti-inflammatory medication. Over-the-counter NSAIDs may help control pain during flare-ups.
- Corticosteroid injections. A targeted injection can provide significant short-term relief, though benefits typically diminish after several months.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. This injection uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to stimulate tendon healing and may be appropriate for stubborn cases.
According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, roughly 80 to 95 percent of tennis elbow cases resolve with nonoperative treatment, often within 6 to 12 months.
When Advanced Treatments or Surgery Are Needed
For the small percentage of patients whose symptoms persist beyond six to 12 months of conservative treatment, surgery may be considered. The goal of surgery is to remove the damaged tendon tissue and promote healing of healthy tendon fibers.
Surgical options for tennis elbow include:
- Open surgery. A small incision over the elbow allows the surgeon to remove the damaged portion of the tendon.
- Arthroscopic surgery. A minimally invasive technique using small instruments and a camera, often associated with faster recovery and less scarring.
- Percutaneous tenotomy. An ultrasound-guided procedure that uses a small needle to break up the damaged tissue without a traditional incision.
Most patients return to full activity within four to six months after surgery, though recovery timelines vary based on the procedure and the patient's overall health. The board-certified surgeons at St. Vincent's Orthopedics evaluate each case individually to recommend the right approach.
Find Relief from Tennis Elbow at St. Vincent's Orthopedics
Tennis elbow is treatable, and most patients get back to full activity without surgery when treatment starts early. The longer the condition is left to progress, the harder it becomes to reverse, which is why an early evaluation matters.
Schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist at any of the St. Vincent's Orthopedics locations across Birmingham, Gardendale, Clanton, Vestavia Hills, and One Nineteen to get a personalized treatment plan for your elbow pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find an elbow specialist near me?
Look for a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with experience treating upper extremity conditions. St. Vincent's Orthopedics has orthopedic specialists near me at five Birmingham-area locations, making it convenient to schedule an evaluation close to home or work.
How long does tennis elbow take to heal?
Most cases of tennis elbow improve within 6 to 12 months of starting conservative treatment. Early intervention typically leads to faster recovery, while delayed treatment can prolong symptoms.
Can tennis elbow heal on its own?
In some mild cases, tennis elbow does resolve with rest and activity modification alone. However, persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist to prevent chronic tendon damage.
Should I see an orthopedic specialist near me for elbow pain?
If elbow pain has lasted more than a few weeks, is interfering with daily tasks, or is not improving with rest, it is time to see a specialist. A search for “orthopedic specialist near me” can connect you with a qualified physician who can confirm the diagnosis and start treatment.
