Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) – Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

Key Points

• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a common cause of pain on the outside of the elbow, linked to overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons.

• Symptoms include tenderness, pain gripping objects, and weakness in the forearm.

• Many conditions mimic tennis elbow — such as radial tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, or referred pain from the neck/shoulder.

• At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, we use diagnostic ultrasound to assess the tendon and surrounding soft tissues, ensuring a clear diagnosis and tailored treatment.

👉 Related:  Shoulder Impingement | Muscle Strains | Tendinopathies

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What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow occurs when the common extensor tendon (especially the extensor carpi radialis brevis) develops microscopic tears and degeneration at its attachment on the outer elbow (lateral epicondyle).

Despite its name, it’s more common in non-athletes — especially office workers, manual workers, and those using repetitive gripping or twisting motions (typing, DIY, racquet sports).

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Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

• Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow

• Pain when gripping objects, shaking hands, or turning a door handle

• Forearm weakness

• Stiffness in the morning or after rest

• Pain radiating down the forearm into the wrist

• Symptoms aggravated by repetitive wrist extension or gripping

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Causes & Risk Factors

• Repetitive wrist extension or gripping (computer use, racquet sports, DIY, tools)

• Sudden increase in load or activity

• Poor ergonomics or desk setup

• Muscle imbalance in the forearm

• Previous injury or overuse from sport/work

• Age 35–55 (most common)

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Why Diagnostic Ultrasound Matters

Elbow pain isn’t always just tennis elbow. Many conditions cause similar symptoms but have very different pathology:

• Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis) → tendon microtears and thickening at the lateral epicondyle

• Radial Tunnel Syndrome → nerve irritation causing similar outer elbow pain

• Osteoarthritis → joint degeneration causing stiffness and pain

• Referred pain → from the neck or shoulder can mimic elbow pain

• Ligament strain → can overlap with lateral elbow tenderness

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic we use diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound to:

• Confirm tendon involvement (microtears, thickening, neovascularisation)

• Rule out alternative causes such as bursitis or ligament injury

• Compare both sides for subtle differences

• Monitor tendon healing during rehab

👉 This ensures your treatment isn’t just trial and error — but evidence-based and targeted to the actual pathology.

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Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, diagnosis may include:

• Osteopathic assessment – forearm strength, grip testing, movement analysis

• Diagnostic ultrasound – to confirm tendon pathology and rule out other causes of lateral elbow pain

• Blood tests – where recovery is slow, to check vitamin D, thyroid, or metabolic health

• Referral – if nerve entrapment or advanced joint degeneration is suspected

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Self-Help for Tennis Elbow

• Reduce aggravating activities (repetitive gripping, heavy lifting)

• Use ice after activity for pain relief

• Gentle stretching of forearm extensors

• Modify workstation ergonomics to reduce strain

• Use supportive straps or braces if needed

• Begin gradual strengthening when pain allows

• Apply the POLICE Principles to acute soft tissue injuries

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Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

✅ Osteopathic care – soft tissue release, joint mobilisation, and nerve tension reduction
✅ Exercise rehabilitation – eccentric forearm strengthening, grip training, postural correction
✅ Sports massage – deep tissue therapy for forearm extensors
✅ Ultrasound imaging – to confirm diagnosis and monitor tendon recovery
✅ Blood testing – screens for systemic factors affecting tendon healing
✅ Ergonomic & technique advice – workplace setup, racquet grip, or tool use modifications

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Prevention

• Use correct technique in sport and work activities

• Warm up before racquet sports or repetitive tasks

• Strengthen forearm and grip muscles regularly

• Maintain good posture and ergonomics

• Take regular breaks from repetitive tasks

• Replace worn equipment (racquet grips, tools)

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FAQs – Tennis Elbow

Q: How long does tennis elbow take to heal?
Mild cases may improve in 6–8 weeks. Chronic cases can take several months.

Q: Do I need a scan?
Yes, if symptoms persist or diagnosis is uncertain. Ultrasound is excellent for differentiating tendon injury from other elbow pathologies.

Q: Can I keep working or playing sport?
Often yes, with activity modification and a structured rehab plan.

Q: Why are blood tests useful?
They help rule out systemic issues (e.g. vitamin D deficiency, thyroid imbalance) that slow tendon healing.

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Book Your Appointment

Don’t let tennis elbow limit your work or sport. Book your tennis elbow assessment with ultrasound in Bromley today for a clear diagnosis and targeted treatment.

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📍 Bromley Sports Injury Clinic | Same-week appointments available