DR. DANIEL AEDO MARTÍN · MADRID
Tennis elbow
Pain outside the elbow when gripping or lifting, even if you never play tennis.
01
What it is
Lateral elbow tendinopathy affects the attachment of wrist extensor tendons on the outer elbow. It is not limited to tennis players.
02
Symptoms
Gripping tools, lifting a pan or shaking hands may hurt. Pain can reduce perceived strength. Other conditions can also cause lateral elbow pain.
03
Assessment
Assessment reviews painful activities and examines tendons, the joint and nerves. Imaging is used for diagnostic uncertainty, trauma or an atypical course.
04
Non-surgical treatment
Load modification and progressive therapeutic exercise commonly form part of treatment. The plan should fit real work and daily demands. Improvement may be gradual.
05
When surgery is considered
Injection benefits and risks must be considered: early relief from corticosteroid does not guarantee better later outcomes. Surgery is reserved for selected persistent cases after appropriate treatment and diagnostic confirmation.
06
Recovery and follow-up
Return to heavier activity follows symptoms and task tolerance. Sudden increases in loading are avoided. Both pain and function help guide progress.
Frequently asked questions
Must I stop using my arm completely?
Loads are usually adjusted. Prolonged complete rest is not a universal treatment plan.
Will an injection cure it permanently?
This cannot be guaranteed. Short-term relief and longer-term outcomes must be considered separately.
Is this the same as golfer’s elbow?
No. Tennis elbow affects the outer side; golfer’s elbow the inner side. Examination identifies the structure involved.
Can I exercise with pain?
Loading is adapted to recovery and specific exercises. Severe, increasing pain or loss of function calls for review.
Do I need an MRI?
Not automatically. It may help when the diagnosis is unclear or other structures need assessment.
How long does improvement take?
It can be gradual. There is no single deadline: symptom duration, loading and treatment response matter.
Further reading
General information to prepare for an appointment. Treatment and recovery are individualised.
FOR YOUR RECOVERY
Exercises: Epicondilitis
An illustrated sheet to follow your clinician’s individual plan. PDF in Spanish.