Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) – Relieving Outer Elbow Pain and Restoring Strength

Overview

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.

Understanding Tennis Elbow

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

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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

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Symptoms

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

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Pain often increases with twisting actions such as turning a doorknob or lifting a coffee cup.

Diagnosis

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

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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

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This thorough evaluation helps determine whether the problem is true tendon inflammation, tendinosis

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.

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Physical Therapy

Eccentric and isometric strengthening of wrist extensors.
Forearm flexibility and shoulder stabilization.
Posture and movement training to prevent recurrence.

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PRP Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma injections use your body’s growth factors to accelerate tendon healing naturally.

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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 Treatment

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

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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.

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Rehabilitation goals:

Relieve pain and inflammation
Restore flexibility and grip strength
Correct movement patterns that caused overuse
Prevent recurrence through conditioning and ergonomic training

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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

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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

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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.

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.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition. If you experience severe pain, weakness, or loss of function, contact a medical professional immediately or visit your nearest emergency center.