Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse condition affecting the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It develops when repetitive strain or overuse causes irritation and microscopic damage to the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow.​

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Despite the name, tennis elbow does not only affect tennis players. The condition is commonly seen in individuals who regularly perform repetitive gripping, lifting, twisting or wrist movements during work, sport or everyday activities.

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Tennis elbow can gradually become painful and limiting, affecting grip strength, arm function and daily tasks if left untreated.

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What Are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?

Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen with continued use of the arm.

 

Pain on the Outside of the Elbow

The most common symptom is pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow.

Pain may initially occur only during activity but can later become more persistent.

 

Pain Radiating Down the Forearm

Discomfort may extend from the elbow down the forearm toward the wrist and hand.

 

Weak Grip Strength

Many patients notice reduced grip strength or discomfort when:

• shaking hands

• lifting objects

• opening jars

• carrying bags

 

Pain During Everyday Activities

Symptoms are often aggravated by activities involving wrist extension or gripping, such as:

• lifting a cup

• using tools

• typing

• sports activities

• repetitive manual work

 

Stiffness or Tenderness

Some patients also experience stiffness around the elbow or tenderness when touching the affected area.

 

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

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Tennis elbow is usually caused by repetitive stress placed on the forearm tendons over time.

Common contributing activities include:

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• repetitive lifting

• gripping tools

• manual labour

• racquet sports

• prolonged computer use

• repetitive twisting motions

 

The condition can affect people of all activity levels and does not always have a single obvious cause.

 

When Should You See a Specialist?

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If elbow pain is persistent, worsening or affecting your daily activities, specialist assessment can help confirm the diagnosis and guide the most effective treatment plan.

Early treatment may help prevent longer-term tendon degeneration and ongoing discomfort.

At Midland Hand Clinic, we provide expert diagnosis and personalised treatment for tennis elbow and other elbow, hand and upper limb conditions.

 

How Is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?

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Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed consultation and physical examination.

Your specialist will assess:

• the location of pain and tenderness

• grip strength

• elbow and wrist movement

• symptoms during specific activities

 

You may be asked to perform simple resisted movements to reproduce symptoms and assess tendon irritation.

 

In some cases, imaging such as ultrasound or MRI scanning may be recommended to:

• confirm tendon inflammation

• assess tendon damage

• rule out other causes of elbow pain

 

How Is Tennis Elbow Treated?

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Treatment focuses on:

• reducing pain and inflammation

• promoting tendon healing

• restoring strength and movement

• preventing recurrence

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The most appropriate treatment depends on:

• severity of symptoms

• duration of pain

• activity level

• response to previous treatment

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Non-Surgical Treatment Options

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Rest & Activity Modification

Reducing activities that aggravate symptoms is often one of the most important early steps in recovery.

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Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation

Targeted exercises can help:

• strengthen the forearm muscles

• improve flexibility

• reduce strain on the tendon

• support long-term recovery

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Anti-Inflammatory Medication

Medication may help reduce pain and inflammation during flare-ups.

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Steroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief in selected patients by reducing inflammation around the affected tendon.

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Bracing or Supports​

Forearm straps or supports may occasionally help reduce strain during activity.

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Surgical Treatment for Tennis Elbow

 

Most patients improve with conservative treatment, but in persistent or severe cases surgery may be considered.

 

Surgical treatment aims to remove damaged tendon tissue and promote healing where symptoms have not improved with non-surgical management.

 

Mr G Shyamalan will discuss whether surgery is appropriate based on your symptoms, examination findings and recovery progress.

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Recovery From Tennis Elbow

 

Recovery times vary depending on the severity of tendon irritation and how long symptoms have been present.

 

Many patients improve gradually with:

• rehabilitation exercises

• activity modification

• guided treatment programmes

 

Early intervention and appropriate management can help reduce recurrence and improve long-term function.

 

Expert Tennis Elbow Treatment in Birmingham & Solihull

 

If you are experiencing ongoing elbow pain, weakness or difficulty performing everyday activities, specialist assessment can help identify the cause and guide the most effective treatment plan.

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Mr G Shyamalan is an experienced consultant hand surgeon specialising in tennis elbow and upper limb conditions across Birmingham, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and Warwickshire.

 

Contact Midland Hand Clinic today to arrange your private consultation and take the next step toward pain relief and restored arm function.