Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is one of the most frequent causes of pain on the outer side of the elbow. Despite the name, you don’t have to play tennis to develop it—any repetitive gripping, lifting, or twisting motion can irritate the tendons that anchor to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.
This condition results from tiny tears in the extensor tendons of the forearm, usually due to overuse. Over time, inflammation and micro-degeneration lead to pain that may radiate down the forearm and weaken grip strength.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, patients from Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas receive precise diagnosis and compassionate, evidence-based care to restore motion, relieve pain, and prevent recurrence.
The extensor tendons in your forearm help you straighten the wrist and fingers. When these tendons are repeatedly overloaded—through sports, work, or daily tasks—they develop microtears near their attachment at the outer elbow.
The body’s healing response causes inflammation and tenderness, making even light gripping painful. Without treatment, the tendon can weaken, leading to chronic pain or reduced hand function.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Although athletes often experience this condition, it also affects many professionals whose work involves repetitive forearm use.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive gripping or twisting (tools, racquets, utensils)
- Vibration exposure from power tools or machinery
- Computer work—prolonged mouse or typing use
- Sudden increase in intensity of exercise or workload
- Poor technique in racquet sports or weightlifting
Risk factors:
- Age 35–60 (most common group)
- Occupations requiring frequent lifting or twisting
- History of forearm or wrist overuse injuries
- Weak shoulder or wrist stabilizers
- Improper ergonomics or posture
Symptoms usually develop gradually and may worsen with continued activity.
Common signs include:
- Burning or aching pain on the outside of the elbow
- Discomfort that radiates down the forearm
- Pain when gripping, shaking hands, or lifting objects
- Weakness or fatigue with repeated motion
- Tenderness over the lateral epicondyle
Pain often increases with twisting actions such as turning a doorknob or lifting a coffee cup.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, diagnosis begins with a detailed clinical evaluation by Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. His approach focuses on identifying the precise tendon involved and ruling out nerve compression or arthritis.
Diagnostic process includes:
- Medical history: Activities, occupation, sports participation
- Physical examination: Palpation of the lateral elbow and strength testing
- Provocative maneuvers: Tests such as Cozen’s and Mill’s reproduce characteristic pain
Imaging studies:
- X-rays to rule out bone abnormalities
- Ultrasound to visualize tendon inflammation or tears
- MRI when symptoms persist or surgery is being considered
This thorough evaluation helps determine whether the problem is true tendon inflammation, tendinosis (degeneration), or a related disorder.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Dr. Burke’s treatment philosophy centers on reducing inflammation, restoring strength, and correcting the underlying cause through both conservative and advanced methods.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Activity modification: Temporary rest from aggravating motions and ergonomic adjustments at work.
- Bracing: Counter-force or wrist braces to offload stress from the tendon.
- Ice and anti-inflammatory care: NSAIDs or topical treatments to calm irritation.
- Eccentric and isometric strengthening of wrist extensors.
- Forearm flexibility and shoulder stabilization.
- Posture and movement training to prevent recurrence.
- Platelet-rich plasma injections use your body’s growth factors to accelerate tendon healing naturally.
Shockwave therapy (if indicated): Stimulates blood flow and tissue repair for chronic cases.
Dr. Burke’s integrated approach emphasizes function restoration rather than temporary relief.
Surgical Treatments
If pain continues despite months of structured rehabilitation, surgery may be recommended.
Dr. Burke performs minimally invasive procedures to remove diseased tissue and encourage healing:
- Arthroscopic or open tendon debridement
- Tendon repair or reattachment when significant degeneration is present
- Reconstructive Surgery for complex or recurrent cases
These techniques preserve healthy tissue and support a faster recovery with minimal scarring.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery timelines:
- Conservative care: Most patients improve within 6–12 weeks.
- After surgery: Expect several months of structured rehabilitation, with gradual strengthening and return to activity once motion and endurance are restored.
Rehabilitation goals:
- Relieve pain and inflammation
- Restore flexibility and grip strength
- Correct movement patterns that caused overuse
- Prevent recurrence through conditioning and ergonomic training
Consistent therapy and patient education ensure long-term success.
Long-Term Outlook and Prevention
With early care, tennis elbow has an excellent prognosis. The majority of patients fully recover without surgery.
Prevention strategies:
- Use proper lifting and gripping techniques
- Warm up before repetitive activity
- Strengthen forearm, shoulder, and core muscles
- Maintain ergonomic wrist and elbow positions at work
- Take short breaks from repetitive motion every 20–30 minutes
Early evaluation of discomfort helps prevent chronic tendon damage.
When to Seek Medical Care
You should schedule an orthopedic consultation if:
- Pain lasts longer than two weeks despite rest
- Daily tasks like lifting or gripping are difficult
- Numbness or weakness develops in the hand
- The elbow feels stiff or swollen
Prompt care helps prevent long-term loss of strength or function.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If elbow pain is limiting your work or daily life, Dr. Burke Orthopedics can help you heal and regain strength.
We provide advanced, compassionate care for tennis elbow, combining conservative therapy, modern injection techniques, and minimally invasive procedures when needed.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, helping patients get back to the activities they love.
Serving Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, Dr. Burke Orthopedics helps patients restore strength, stability, and confidence after ankle injury.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in upper-extremity care.
