Musculoskeletal Condition · Glastonbury, CT

Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer elbow with gripping or lifting. Learn about symptoms and evaluation with Dr. Tortland in Glastonbury, CT.

Written and clinically reviewed by

Paul D. Tortland, DO, FAOASM, CAQSM, RMSK

Dr. Paul Tortland, DO is a non-surgical orthopedic & sports medicine physician specializing in regenerative orthopedics and surgical alternative treatment. He is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Regenerative Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. He became the first physician in the world to earn board certification in Regenerative Medicine in 2015. Diplomate, American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM), 2015. Registered in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RMSK).

Condition

What is tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)?

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a tendon disorder at the outside of the elbow that can cause pain with gripping, lifting or extending the wrist. It can affect people who never play tennis. Progressive tendon-loading exercises and activity adjustments are the usual starting points; selected persistent cases may be evaluated for ultrasound-guided injection options.

Explore related conditions: Browse the Elbow, wrist and hand condition hub for related diagnoses and treatment options.

CARE OPTIONS

How is tennis elbow treated?

Dr. Tortland’s potential treatment options: For persistent tennis elbow after diagnosis and rehabilitation, Dr. Tortland may discuss PRP treatment or selected prolotherapy/prolozone. Injection evidence varies; options should be weighed against the natural history of the condition and a structured strengthening program.

Physical therapy and traditional care: Physical therapy typically uses progressive wrist-extensor and forearm loading, grip and lifting modifications, and a gradual return to work or sport. A counterforce strap or wrist brace and medication for short-term symptom relief may help some people.

When other care may be needed: Persistent weakness, an atypical pain pattern, or symptoms that do not improve should prompt reassessment for nerve entrapment or another diagnosis. Imaging is considered when it would change management.

Common questions

Questions about tennis elbow

What causes tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is tendon overload at the outer elbow, often from repeated gripping, lifting or wrist extension. It affects many people who never play tennis. Symptoms are influenced by load and recovery, and the diagnosis should be distinguished from radial nerve entrapment.

What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?

Symptoms typically include pain at the outer elbow that may travel into the forearm, weaker grip and pain when lifting, twisting a handle or shaking hands. The pain is usually worse with resisted wrist extension. A clinician can check for other sources of forearm pain.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for tennis elbow?

Progressive tendon-loading exercises, activity modification and sometimes a brace or shockwave therapy are common non-surgical options. Physical therapy can guide load progression and grip changes. Surgery is rarely needed and usually considered only after an adequate course of conservative care fails.

What regenerative options may help tennis elbow?

Ultrasound-guided PRP or prolotherapy may be considered for persistent tennis elbow, with evidence varying by treatment and study. Injections should complement rather than replace progressive tendon loading. Candidacy is decided after examination and review of other causes of lateral elbow pain.