Shoulder, arm & hand
Tennis elbow
Outside elbow pain with gripping and lifting
What it means
Lateral elbow tendinopathy commonly involves the tendons that extend the wrist. Gripping, carrying, or resisted wrist extension can reproduce the pain. Symptoms that travel or include tingling may call for a wider exam. [1]
What I check in the clinic
I ask what you’ve stopped carrying or lifting. If a full kettle bothers the elbow, I can check grip and wrist position with a similar task, make one change, and retest. Then we can build toward the load and repetitions you actually need.
What the evidence says about care
The guideline supports resisted exercise and selected hands-on options. Trials found that corticosteroid injection can improve early symptoms while recurrence or later outcomes may be less favorable. I’d use tolerance to a familiar grip to help plan how quickly you build load. [1, 2, 3]
Common questions
Why does carrying a grocery bag hurt when I can still bend my elbow normally?
I’d ask which grip and bag bring it on. We can compare carrying something at a weight you tolerate and see what changes with a different grip or position.
It feels better with a lighter bag. How will I know when the heavier one is easier?
Notice when the familiar ache starts and how it feels afterward on a carry you already do. We can use those details to decide when to change the load.
Why is opening a jar harder than holding a mug?
I’d ask which part of turning the lid bothers you. We can compare a tolerable grip with a turning task and see which part needs attention.
Why does the elbow feel fine in the morning and ache after a day of typing and clicking?
Tell me what you do in the hours before it builds. We can compare the work position and use your next usual day as a check.
Can this happen if I never play tennis?
Yes. The name describes the pattern. Lifting, gripping tools, and work tasks can bring on similar symptoms. [1]
What should I bring to an evaluation?
Bring one example of a movement or activity you want back, along with any relevant imaging or treatment notes you already have.