Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Tennis Elbow?
A primary care doctor, a physical or occupational therapist, and sometimes a surgeon work together to treat tennis elbow. 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 tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition of the elbow caused by overuse. Tendons are strong cords that connect muscle to bone. In tennis elbow, the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow wear down or get tiny tears. Playing tennis or other racquet sports can cause it, but other sports and activities can also put you at risk.
Symptoms
The symptoms of tennis elbow develop slowly. Common signs include:
- Pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow.
- A weak grip.
- Pain at night, sometimes.
- Tenderness or swelling in your elbow.
- Trouble fully straightening your arm.
The pain often starts mild and slowly gets worse over weeks and months. It can get worse when you hold a racquet, turn a wrench, or shake hands. Your dominant arm is most often affected, but both arms can be affected.
Causes and who gets it
Tennis elbow is often caused by damage to a forearm muscle called the ECRB. When this muscle is weakened from overuse, tiny tears form in its tendon where it attaches to the bump on the outside of the elbow. Gripping something and repeatedly twisting your wrist and forearm can bring it on. Computer work, sewing, using a screwdriver, and playing a musical instrument are examples. Painters, plumbers, and carpenters are particularly prone to it. Anyone can get it, but it is more common in middle age. In racquet sports, improper stroke technique and improper equipment may be risk factors. Sometimes it happens with no known cause.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask how your symptoms developed, what work you do, and which sports you play. The doctor will press gently on the bump on the outside of your elbow to check for pain and tenderness. You may be asked to straighten your wrist and fingers against resistance with your arm fully straight. Tell your doctor if you have ever injured your elbow or have a history of rheumatoid arthritis or nerve disease. Other tests can rule out other causes of elbow pain.
- X-rays can rule out arthritis of the elbow.
- An MRI scan shows soft tissues such as muscles and tendons.
- An EMG can rule out nerve compression, which can cause symptoms like tennis elbow.
Treatment
About 80 to 95% of patients get better with treatment that does not involve surgery. The first step is to rest your arm and stop or cut back on activities that cause pain for several weeks. Tennis elbow usually gets better after a few weeks of rest, but it can sometimes last longer. Other options include:
- Acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical or occupational therapy can use exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles.
- A brace on the back of the forearm may help relieve symptoms.
- A hot or cold pack wrapped in a towel can be used for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- Steroid injections can relieve symptoms, but they should be used very sparingly because too many can weaken the tendon attachment over time.
- Platelet-rich plasma is made from a small sample of your own blood, and some studies about it have been inconclusive while others show promising results.
If racquet sports are the cause, your doctor may suggest checking that your equipment fits. Surgery may be an option if you still have tennis elbow after 6 to 12 months of treatment. Most surgery removes diseased tendon and reattaches healthy tendon to bone. Risks include infection, nerve and blood vessel damage, and loss of strength. Return to sports is usually 4 to 6 months after surgery.
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. At the visit, your doctor may order tests to rule out other causes, such as arthritis of the elbow or nerve compression.
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. Either one can start the evaluation, talk through which activities bring on the pain, and help you plan rest and early care. They can also help arrange therapy or a visit with a surgeon if pain does not improve.
Common questions
How long does tennis elbow last?
Tennis elbow usually gets better after resting your arm for a few weeks, but it can sometimes last over a year.
Do you have to play tennis to get tennis elbow?
No, you do not need to play tennis to get tennis elbow. Many people get it from work or hobbies that need repeated, strong use of the forearm.
Does tennis elbow need surgery?
Most people do not need surgery. Doctors may suggest surgery if symptoms do not respond after 6 to 12 months of treatment that does not involve surgery.
Can tennis elbow affect both arms?
Yes, tennis elbow can affect both arms, although 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.
