Lateral Epicondylitis Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Overview

Lateral epicondylitis is a condition marked by pain and tenderness on the outer (lateral) side of the elbow, most often caused by overuse of the forearm muscles responsible for gripping and wrist extension. These muscles attach to a bony prominence of the humerus, known as the lateral epicondyle. 

Repetitive activities such as holding, gripping, or swinging a tennis racket place repeated stress on this attachment site, leading to small tendon injuries and inflammation. Although it is most commonly seen in tennis players, lateral epicondylitis can also affect individuals whose daily activities or occupations involve frequent gripping, lifting, or repetitive arm movements.

What causes Lateral Epicondylitis?

Lateral epicondylitis is usually caused by repetitive overuse of the forearm muscles, especially during gripping, lifting, or wrist extension activities. Poor technique, improper equipment, and lack of rest can accelerate tendon wear. Age-related tendon degeneration also increases susceptibility to injury.

• How the Injury Occurs – Repeated stress causes tiny tears in the tendon at the lateral epicondyle, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced strength over time.
• Common Everyday Causes – Frequent typing, using tools, lifting heavy objects, household chores, or repetitive hand and wrist movements can also trigger lateral epicondylitis.

Lateral Epicondylitis is common in these sports:

• Tennis – Repeated backhand strokes and improper grip technique place excessive strain on the outer elbow tendons.
• Baseball (pitchers) – Repetitive throwing motions overload the forearm extensor muscles and their tendon attachments.
• Softball (pitchers) – Continuous underhand pitching stresses the tendons on the outside of the elbow.
• Golf – Repeated gripping and swinging, especially with poor form, can irritate the lateral elbow tendons.

Symptoms

You may have lateral epicondylitis if you experience one or more of the following symptoms, which often worsen with activity and repetitive use:

• Pain on the outside of the elbow – Localized tenderness around the lateral epicondyle.
• Radiating pain – Discomfort that extends from the elbow down toward the wrist.
• Grip-related pain – Increased pain when gripping, lifting, or holding objects.
• Progressive discomfort – Early pain may occur only during sports or activity, but over time, it can become constant, even during rest or daily tasks.

Non-operative treatment

Lateral epicondylitis is most often treated using non-operative elbow pain treatment options. Conservative treatments include:

• Resting the affected arm
• Icing the elbow throughout the day
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are used to relieve tennis elbow pain and inflammation.
• Wearing a brace on the elbow or wrist while playing sports
• Corticosteroid injections (administered by an orthopedic specialist)
• Platelet-rich plasma injections (administered by an orthopedic specialist)
• Physical therapy with a licensed professional to stretch and strengthen the arm

Try these lateral epicondylitis exercises to help address your condition:

Below is a PDF of the Lateral Epicondylitis Exercises Program

Elbow Epicondylitis

Surgical Treatment

If your symptoms do not resolve with non-operative treatments, your doctor may suggest surgery. During surgery to treat lateral epicondylitis, your doctor will  make a small incision over the outside of your elbow, remove the damaged tissue, and reattach the healthy portion of the tendon to the bone.