Repetitive wrist or hand use: Typing, tools, painting
Sports: That involve gripping and swinging
Age: Most common in adults between 30–50
Overuse activities: Repeated motions that stress the forearm tendons
Tennis Elbow Without Tennis — Why Your Elbow Hurts
"Tennis elbow" is the common name for lateral epicondylitis — a condition where the tendons on the outside of the elbow become painful from overuse. Despite the name, you don't need to play tennis to develop it. It often affects people who do repetitive gripping or lifting, from athletes to carpenters to office workers.
Common Causes of Tennis Elbow
When It's Time for a Specialist
Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow
Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting, or twisting
Weak grip strength
Discomfort that may spread into the forearm
What Dr. Dashe Does
Same-/next-day access — don't wait weeks when you're in pain
Complete evaluation — bones, nerves, tendons, and joints of the elbow and forearm
All treatment options — both non-surgical and surgical solutions
Why Acting Early Matters
Delaying care can lead to chronic pain and weakness
Early treatment shortens recovery time
Get back to your daily life faster with proper care
Bottom Line
If your elbow pain is persistent, worsening, or interfering with life, it's time to see a hand surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get tennis elbow without playing tennis?
Yes! Despite its name, most people with tennis elbow have never played tennis. It's caused by repetitive gripping and wrist extension, common in activities like typing, carpentry, painting, gardening, and using hand tools.
What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?
The main symptom is pain on the outside of the elbow that worsens with gripping, lifting, or twisting motions. You may also experience weakness in your grip strength and pain when shaking hands or turning a doorknob.
How long does tennis elbow take to heal?
With proper treatment, most cases improve within 6-12 months. Conservative treatment including rest, bracing, physical therapy, and cortisone injections is successful in about 95% of cases. Surgery is rarely needed but highly effective when conservative measures fail.
What makes tennis elbow worse?
Activities that involve repetitive gripping, lifting with the palm down, or twisting motions worsen tennis elbow. Common culprits include using a computer mouse, carrying heavy bags, repetitive screwdriver use, and prolonged typing without proper ergonomics.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Don't wait weeks to see a specialist.