Key Takeaways
- Tennis elbow pain usually starts as a mild ache on the outside of the elbow and gradually becomes sharper or more burning over time.
- Gripping, lifting, and twisting motions are common triggers because they stress the tendons on the outer elbow.
- Tennis elbow pain is different from general soreness or arthritis, since it centers on one specific spot and worsens with certain hand and wrist movements.
- Everyday activities like shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or lifting a coffee cup can become surprisingly painful as symptoms progress.
- Persistent elbow pain that lasts more than a few weeks, or that keeps getting worse, is a sign it is time for a professional evaluation.
- Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates' fellowship-trained specialists help Morgantown-area patients pinpoint the cause of elbow pain and build an effective treatment plan. Request an appointment if elbow pain is affecting your daily life.
Where Tennis Elbow Pain Typically Occurs and How It Spreads
Despite the name, tennis elbow does not require ever picking up a racket. The condition, known medically as lateral epicondylitis, develops in the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to a bony bump on the outside of the elbow called the lateral epicondyle. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), tennis elbow involves the degeneration, or in some cases microtearing, of these tendons, which are damaged from repeating the same forearm motions again and again.
Pain typically starts as a localized tenderness right at the outside of the elbow. As the condition progresses, this pain can radiate down the forearm toward the wrist, following the path of the affected tendons. Some patients also notice pain that flares when pressing on the bony bump itself, since that is the exact site where the damaged tendon attaches.
Common Triggers: Gripping, Lifting, and Twisting Motions
Tennis elbow pain rarely shows up at rest. Instead, it flares in response to specific movements that load the forearm extensor tendons:
- Gripping. Shaking hands, holding a coffee mug, or gripping a steering wheel can trigger a sharp twinge.
- Lifting. Picking up a grocery bag or a gallon of milk, especially with the palm facing down, often reproduces the pain.
- Twisting. Turning a doorknob, wringing out a towel, or using a screwdriver frequently causes discomfort, since these motions rely heavily on the affected tendons.
Because these are such common daily movements, tennis elbow can quickly start to interfere with routine tasks well beyond sports or exercise.
How Tennis Elbow Pain Differs From General Soreness or Arthritis
It is easy to dismiss early tennis elbow symptoms as ordinary muscle soreness, but there are a few key differences worth recognizing.
General muscle soreness, the kind that follows a hard workout, tends to be diffuse, affecting a broader area, and typically improves within a few days of rest. Tennis elbow pain, by contrast, is usually concentrated in one specific spot on the outside of the elbow and does not resolve quickly with a couple of days off.
Arthritis of the elbow is a different condition altogether. Arthritis pain tends to involve the joint itself, often accompanied by stiffness, swelling, or a grinding sensation with movement, and it frequently worsens with any use of the joint rather than specific gripping or twisting motions. Tennis elbow, on the other hand, is a tendon problem rather than a joint problem, which is why pain is so closely tied to specific hand and wrist movements rather than general elbow motion.
Tennis Elbow vs. General Soreness vs. Elbow Arthritis
| Feature | General Muscle Soreness | Tennis Elbow | Elbow Arthritis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location of pain | Broad, spread across the muscle | Focused on the outer elbow bump | Centered in the joint itself |
| Trigger | Recent intense activity | Gripping, lifting, or twisting | Any joint movement or weight-bearing |
| Onset | Sudden, after exercise | Gradual, over weeks | Gradual, over months or years |
| Resolves with rest | Usually within a few days | Often persists despite rest | Rarely resolves without treatment |
| Associated symptoms | Mild stiffness | Burning pain, weakened grip | Swelling, stiffness, grinding sensation |
Activities That Commonly Worsen Symptoms
Certain hobbies and occupations put repeated stress on the same forearm tendons and tend to aggravate tennis elbow once it develops. These include racket sports like tennis and pickleball, painting, hammering, typing for long stretches, gardening, and playing certain musical instruments. Even everyday household tasks, from vacuuming to carrying a briefcase, can worsen symptoms if they involve repetitive gripping or lifting.
When Persistent Elbow Pain Warrants an Evaluation
Occasional elbow soreness after an unusually active day is normal and often resolves on its own. However, certain patterns suggest it is time to see an orthopedic specialist:
- Pain that lasts more than two to three weeks despite rest.
- Pain that is getting worse rather than better.
- A noticeably weaker grip, such as difficulty holding a cup or shaking hands.
- Pain that interferes with work, hobbies, or sleep.
- Pain that keeps returning after periods of improvement.
Get an Accurate Diagnosis for Your Elbow Pain
Tennis elbow pain has a distinct pattern, but it can be mistaken for other conditions if it is not properly evaluated. Getting an accurate diagnosis early makes it easier to start the right treatment before symptoms progress.
If you are experiencing burning or aching pain on the outside of your elbow, Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates' fellowship-trained specialists can determine the exact cause and recommend a treatment plan suited to your activity level and goals. Request an appointment with MOA's sports medicine team in Morgantown, WV to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does tennis elbow feel like?
Tennis elbow typically feels like a burning or aching pain concentrated on the outside of the elbow, often starting mild and gradually becoming sharper. Pain frequently worsens with gripping, lifting, or twisting motions and may radiate down the forearm.
How is tennis elbow different from arthritis in the elbow?
Tennis elbow is a tendon condition centered on one spot on the outer elbow and triggered by specific hand and wrist movements. Elbow arthritis affects the joint itself, often with swelling, stiffness, or a grinding sensation, and tends to worsen with any use of the joint rather than specific motions.
Can tennis elbow affect people who don't play tennis?
Yes. Tennis elbow frequently develops in people whose work or hobbies involve repetitive gripping, lifting, or twisting, including painters, tradespeople, gardeners, and office workers who type frequently.
When should I see an elbow doctor near me for tennis elbow symptoms?
Consider scheduling an evaluation if elbow pain lasts more than two to three weeks, continues to worsen, weakens your grip, or interferes with work, hobbies, or sleep.
Is tennis elbow pain always in the same spot?
Most patients feel the primary pain at a specific bony point on the outside of the elbow, though it can radiate down the forearm as the condition progresses.
