Tennis elbow

Overview

Repeated gripping strains the tendons on the outside of the elbow.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Pain on the outside of the elbow
• Elbow pain
• Weak grip or dropping things

Less common

• Weak grip

Look up a symptom: Arm pain · Elbow pain · Weak grip or dropping things

When to get medical care

Causes

Repetitive gripping.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Age 30 to 50
• Manual work

Diagnosis

A clinician examines your elbow.

The exam

Pressing and testing grip.

Treatment

Rest the tendon.

Self-care

• Avoid painful gripping
• Use ice
• Wear a forearm strap
• Do stretching exercises

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent it:

• Use proper technique

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an orthopedist (bone and joint doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most get better.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Tennis elbow