Educational information This site explains general topics and does not diagnose or treat medical conditions.

Educational information · Not a diagnosis tool

Understand Tennis Elbow. Explore Your Options.

Tennis elbow is a common name for pain around the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, it can affect people who have never picked up a racket, including people whose work, hobbies or daily tasks involve a lot of gripping and wrist movement.

This site explains the basics in plain language and describes general options people discuss with their healthcare professionals. Only a qualified professional can assess your own symptoms.

Learn the basics Explore management options
Illustration of a forearm showing the muscles and tendons beneath the skin. A highlighted point on the outer elbow is labeled "Common pain origin: outer elbow," and an arrow running down the forearm is labeled "Pain may spread down the forearm toward the wrist."
Tennis elbow usually refers to the outer side of the elbow. This diagram is for orientation only.

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Pain-management options

Activity changes and pacing

Adjusting how often, how long or how hard you do the tasks that bring on discomfort. For example, you might break up repetitive work with short pauses or spread heavy jobs across the day.

Possible considerations

  • Advice about rest and movement differs, so ask a clinician how much activity is reasonable for you.
  • Noting which tasks seem to bring on symptoms can help when you talk with a clinician.
  • If work demands are hard to change, an employer or occupational health service may be able to help.

Suitability varies from person to person.

Exercise or rehabilitation guidance from a qualified clinician

After an assessment, a physical therapist or other qualified clinician may suggest exercises and explain how and when to adjust them.

Possible considerations

  • The right type, amount and timing of exercise differs between individuals.
  • Tell the clinician guiding your program about any new or worsening symptoms.
  • Insurance coverage and referral requirements for physical therapy vary by plan and state.

Suitability varies from person to person.

Supports or braces

Some people wear a forearm strap (often called a counterforce strap), an elbow sleeve or a wrist support during activities that bring on discomfort.

Possible considerations

  • Fit and placement matter. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, and ask a clinician if you're unsure.
  • If a support causes tingling, numbness or color changes in your hand, loosen or remove it.
  • Ask a clinician when, and for how long, wearing a support makes sense for you.

Suitability varies from person to person.

Cold or heat products

Reusable cold packs, heat wraps and similar products that some people use for short-term comfort.

Possible considerations

  • Protect your skin with a cloth layer and follow the product's time limits.
  • If you have reduced sensation, circulation problems or diabetes, check with a clinician first.
  • People differ in whether they prefer cold or heat.

Suitability varies from person to person.

Massage or self-massage tools

Massage balls, rollers, handheld massagers and similar tools that some people use on the forearm muscles.

Possible considerations

  • Start gently, and stop if discomfort increases.
  • Avoid areas with broken skin, bruising or swelling.
  • Check with a clinician first if you take blood thinners or have a condition that affects your skin, nerves or circulation.

Suitability varies from person to person.

Ergonomic or grip-related adjustments

Changes to tools, equipment or your workstation that may reduce strain from gripping and repeated wrist movement, such as handle size, mouse and keyboard position, or sports equipment.

Possible considerations

  • Small changes may be worth trying, but results vary.
  • For racket sports, a coach or equipment specialist can advise on grip size and technique.
  • Some employers offer a workstation assessment or access to an occupational therapist.

Suitability varies from person to person.

Other clinician-recommended options

Depending on your situation, a clinician may discuss other approaches, such as medicines, injections or procedures.

Possible considerations

  • Ask about the expected benefits, risks, side effects and costs of any option.
  • Ask how an option fits with the other parts of your care.
  • Check with a pharmacist or clinician before using over-the-counter medicines, especially if you take other medications or have other health conditions.

Suitability varies from person to person.

Exercises

Before you try an exercise: ask a qualified healthcare professional whether it's appropriate for you. Follow the original creator's instructions, and stop if an exercise causes sharp, worsening or otherwise concerning symptoms.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is a common name for pain around the outside of the elbow. It is often associated with the tendons that attach some forearm muscles to that area. Clinicians may also call it lateral elbow pain, lateral epicondylitis or lateral elbow tendinopathy. Only a qualified professional can tell you whether your symptoms fit this description.

Can you have tennis elbow without playing tennis?

Yes. Despite the name, it is often associated with work, hobbies and daily tasks that involve repeated gripping, lifting or wrist movement, not only with racket sports.

How is tennis elbow different from golfer's elbow?

Both terms describe pain near where forearm tendons attach at the elbow. Tennis elbow usually refers to the outer side of the elbow, and golfer's elbow usually refers to the inner side. Other conditions can cause pain in similar places, so an assessment by a clinician can help clarify what's going on.

What kinds of products do people explore for elbow discomfort?

People often look into forearm straps, elbow sleeves, wrist supports, cold and heat packs, massage tools, and ergonomic equipment such as different mouse designs or tool grips. Whether any of these suits you depends on your situation, and none of them replaces professional advice. See Pain-Management Options for general considerations.

Should I exercise if my elbow hurts?

It depends on your situation. Exercise is often part of care for elbow pain, but the right type, amount and timing vary from person to person. A qualified clinician, such as a physical therapist, can help you decide what's appropriate. Stop and seek advice if an exercise causes sharp, worsening or unusual symptoms.

When should I contact a healthcare professional?

Consider contacting a healthcare professional if:

  • the pain started after a fall or injury, or your elbow looks misshapen
  • there is significant swelling, redness, warmth or a fever
  • you have numbness, tingling or weakness in your arm or hand
  • you can't move your elbow normally
  • the pain is severe, getting worse, or affecting your sleep or work
  • your symptoms aren't improving, or you're unsure what's causing them

If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911.

Can this website diagnose or treat me?

No. This website provides general educational information only. It cannot diagnose, treat or give personal medical advice. Please talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your symptoms.

This information is educational and is not a substitute for care from a qualified professional.