Where tennis elbow pain usually goes
Tennis elbow (lateral elbow tendinopathy) involves the tendons that attach several forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow. Those muscles run down the back of the forearm and help lift and steady the wrist and fingers. Because of this, pain is not always limited to one small spot. Many people describe:
- a tender point on or just below the outer elbow
- an ache that travels down the back or outer side of the forearm
- pain that is worse when gripping, lifting with the palm down, or twisting a lid or doorknob
If you are new to the condition, start with our guide to tennis elbow symptoms and causes.
Forearm and wrist pain
Forearm pain is common with tennis elbow. Cleveland Clinic notes that the pain can radiate from the elbow into the forearm and wrist, and MedlinePlus describes pain spreading from the outer elbow to the forearm and back of the hand when gripping or twisting. The muscles involved help extend the wrist and fingers, so gripping hard, typing for long periods or carrying bags with the palm facing down can make it worse.
Wrist pain that is mainly on the thumb side, the palm side, or that follows a fall is less likely to be tennis elbow and should be assessed on its own.
Hand and finger symptoms
A weaker grip is a common symptom of tennis elbow, and some people find they drop things or struggle to hold a full cup.
Numbness, pins and needles or tingling in the fingers are not among the usual tennis elbow symptoms listed by the NHS and MedlinePlus. These symptoms can come from an irritated nerve, and Cleveland Clinic advises seeing a provider if you have nerve-related symptoms, particularly if they are getting worse or come with weakness.
Shoulder, biceps and upper-arm pain
The sources we checked don't list shoulder pain as a symptom of tennis elbow. There are a few reasons the two might show up together:
- Pain coming from elsewhere. Cleveland Clinic lists referred pain from the neck or shoulder as a possible cause of elbow pain.
- The neck. OrthoInfo notes that doctors may check the neck, sometimes with an MRI, if a neck problem is suspected.
- A separate problem. Shoulder and elbow problems can happen at the same time, and some people find that protecting a sore elbow changes how they use the rest of the arm.
Tennis elbow pain is usually described on the outside of the elbow. Pain at the front of the elbow or in the biceps is not where it is typically felt, so a clinician can check which area is involved.
Swelling, lumps and bruising
The NHS and Cleveland Clinic both list some tenderness or swelling around the elbow among tennis elbow symptoms. However, Cleveland Clinic advises seeing a provider for severe swelling, bruising or bleeding. A noticeable lump, redness or warmth can also point to something else, such as elbow bursitis, which is occasionally caused by infection.
Get medical advice promptly if you have: a hot, red or very swollen elbow, a fever, numbness or weakness in the hand, pain after a fall or injury, or an elbow you can't move normally. If you think it may be an emergency, call 911.
Conditions that can feel similar
Several conditions cause pain around the elbow or forearm. The table below is a general guide only and is not a way to diagnose yourself.
| Condition | How it is often described |
|---|---|
| Golfer's elbow | Pain on the inner side of the elbow. See tennis elbow vs golfer's elbow. |
| Radial tunnel syndrome | A nerve-related condition on the outer side of the elbow, the same side as tennis elbow. |
| Cubital tunnel syndrome | Numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, linked to the ulnar nerve. Some people wake at night with numb fingers. |
| Carpal tunnel syndrome | Numbness or tingling especially in the thumb, index and middle fingers, linked to the median nerve at the wrist. |
| Neck-related pain | Pain referred from the neck or shoulder can be felt around the elbow. |
| Elbow arthritis | Pain and swelling in the joint. Osteoarthritis is the most common type in the elbow. |
| Bursitis or gout | Bursitis is inflammation at the point of the elbow, occasionally caused by infection. Gout is a type of arthritis that can affect the elbow. |
It is also possible to have more than one problem at once. Our guide to how tennis elbow is diagnosed explains what a clinician may check.
Is tennis elbow the same as tendonitis?
Tennis elbow is often called "tendonitis", and MedlinePlus lists "tendonitis (elbow)" as an alternative name. Sources describe it in slightly different ways: the NHS and Cleveland Clinic describe inflamed tendons, while OrthoInfo describes degeneration or small tears where the tendon attaches. That is why you may also see the term tendinopathy. In everyday conversation the terms are often used interchangeably.
Frequently asked questions
Can tennis elbow cause shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain is not listed as a typical tennis elbow symptom. Pain can be referred from the neck or shoulder, or you may have a separate problem. A clinician can check whether the two are related.
Can tennis elbow cause numbness in the fingers?
Numbness or tingling is not among the usual tennis elbow symptoms and may suggest an irritated nerve. It is a good idea to have it checked by a qualified healthcare professional.
Does tennis elbow cause swelling?
Some tenderness or swelling around the elbow can occur with tennis elbow, according to the NHS and Cleveland Clinic. Severe swelling, bruising, redness or warmth should be assessed by a clinician.
Sources
We checked this article against the following pages on October 22, 2026. Read how we write our guides.
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) (opens in a new tab). Cleveland Clinic.
- Tennis elbow (opens in a new tab). NHS.
- Tennis elbow (opens in a new tab). MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) (opens in a new tab). OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
- Elbow Pain: Possible Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment (opens in a new tab). Cleveland Clinic.
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (opens in a new tab). OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (opens in a new tab). MedlinePlus.
