Lateral Epicondylitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Lateral Epicondylitis?
A primary care doctor, a doctor who handles everyday health problems, often helps with tennis elbow. Care is a team effort, and physical or occupational therapists teach exercises that help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is lateral epicondylitis?
Lateral epicondylitis is also called tennis elbow. It is a painful condition of the elbow caused by overuse. The tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow wear down. Sometimes they get tiny tears. Tendons are strong cords that connect muscle to bone. Playing tennis or other racquet sports can cause it, but other sports and activities can also put you at risk.
Symptoms
The symptoms develop slowly. The pain often starts mild and slowly gets worse over weeks and months.
- Pain or burning on the outer part of the elbow.
- Weak grip strength.
- Sometimes, pain at night.
- Trouble fully straightening the arm.
The pain may range from mild discomfort when you move your arm to constant pain that can affect your sleep. It may be worse when you lift or bend your arm, grip objects, or move your wrist. Your dominant arm is most often affected, but both arms can be affected.
Causes and who gets it
The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse. That means doing the same motions again and again. Athletes are not the only people who get tennis elbow. Painters, plumbers, and carpenters are particularly prone to it. Computer work such as typing or using a mouse, sewing, using a screwdriver, and playing a musical instrument can also cause it.
Most people who get tennis elbow are between the ages of 30 and 50, although anyone can get it if they have the risk factors. Sometimes it happens without any known repeated injury.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask how your symptoms started, what work you do, and what sports you play. During the exam, your doctor will gently press on the bump on the outside of the elbow to check for pain and tenderness.
Your doctor may order more tests to rule out other causes of elbow pain:
- X-rays can be taken to rule out arthritis of the elbow.
- An MRI scan shows soft tissues such as muscles and tendons, and can show how much damage the tendon has.
- An EMG test can rule out a pinched nerve, since nerve problems at the elbow can feel like tennis elbow.
Treatment
Approximately 80 to 95% of patients have success with nonsurgical treatment. Tennis elbow usually gets better after resting your arm for a few weeks, but it can sometimes last longer.
- Rest: stop or cut back on sports, heavy work, and other activities that cause pain for several weeks.
- Medicines: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen may help reduce pain and swelling.
- Hot or cold packs: wrap a pack in a towel and use it for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- Physical or occupational therapy: exercises can strengthen the forearm muscles. A therapist may also use ultrasound or ice massage.
- A brace: a brace worn over the back of the forearm may help relieve symptoms.
- Steroid injections: steroids are very effective anti-inflammatory medicines. Use them very sparingly, because excessive use can weaken the lateral epicondyle, which is where the tendon attaches at the elbow.
- Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP: some studies have been unclear, while others have shown promising results.
Surgery may be recommended if your symptoms do not respond after 6 to 12 months of nonsurgical treatment. Surgery is considered successful in 80 to 90% of patients, but losing some strength is not uncommon.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you still have elbow pain after resting your elbow and trying self-care for at least 2 weeks. Physical therapy may help if your symptoms have not improved after 6 weeks of treatment at home.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can look at your elbow, talk through rest and home care, and help you find a physical therapist or a surgeon if you need one.
Common questions
Is tennis elbow only for tennis players?
No, athletes are not the only people who get tennis elbow. Many people with tennis elbow do work or hobbies that need repeated, strong use of the forearm muscle or repeated wrist and hand extension.
How long does tennis elbow last?
It usually gets better after resting your arm for a few weeks, but it can sometimes last longer. In some cases it can last over a year.
Will I need surgery for tennis elbow?
Most people do not need surgery, because nonsurgical treatment works for most patients. Your doctor may recommend surgery if symptoms do not respond after 6 to 12 months of nonsurgical treatment.
Can tennis elbow affect both arms?
Yes, both arms can be affected, but the dominant arm is most often affected.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- NHS - Tennis elbow
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
