21/04/2026
Understanding Outer Elbow Pain (Tennis Elbow)
If you feel pain on the outside of your elbow, especially when gripping, lifting, or using a mouse, you may have lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow.
This condition affects the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow, particularly the extensor muscles that help stabilize your wrist during gripping tasks
What’s actually happening
Tennis elbow is best understood as a load-related tendon condition.
* Repetitive gripping, lifting, or typing can overload the tendon
* Over time, this can lead to microstructural changes in the tendon (often referred to as tendinosis)
* In some cases, there may also be a component of inflammation, particularly in earlier stages
Tendons have a relatively limited blood supply, so they tend to adapt and recover more slowly than muscle.
Common symptoms
* Pain on the outside of the elbow
* Pain with gripping, lifting, or wrist movement
* Reduced grip strength
* Symptoms that worsen with repeated use
What helps (based on current evidence)
1) Manage load, don’t just avoid activity
Completely resting the arm is usually not helpful long-term. Instead:
* Reduce or modify aggravating activities
* Gradually reintroduce load in a controlled way
2) Exercise-based rehabilitation
Progressive strengthening is one of the most effective approaches.
* Isometric exercises (holding tension without movement) may help reduce pain
* Eccentric exercises (slow, controlled lowering) can improve tendon capacity over time
* Progress should be gradual and consistent
3) Sports massage and soft tissue work
Sports massage can be a helpful adjunct to rehab:
* May reduce muscle tension in the forearm
* Can improve short-term pain and movement comfort
* Helps some people tolerate exercise better
4) Address contributing factors
* Repetitive strain (typing, mouse use, lifting technique)
* Grip habits and wrist position
* Strength and control through the wrist, elbow, and shoulder
5) Symptom relief options
These can help manage discomfort but don’t fix the root issue:
* Ice (short-term pain relief)
* Bracing (can reduce strain during activity)
* Medication, if appropriate
6) Medical treatments
* Corticosteroid injections may provide short-term relief but are not usually a long-term solution