TL;DR Quick answer
Pain on the outer side of the elbow from overloaded forearm tendons. A pain specialist can confirm the cause and plan treatment, with non-surgical options considered first, such as platelet-rich plasma (prp) injection.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About tennis elbow
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a tendon problem caused by repeated gripping and wrist movements. It is common in people who do not play tennis.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Pain on the outer elbow; pain when gripping, lifting or turning a handle; weak grip |
| Common causes | Repetitive wrist and forearm use; sudden increase in activity |
| How it is diagnosed | Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment. |
| When to get help | Seek care for elbow swelling with fever, or after an injury with loss of movement |
| Treatment options | Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Symptoms
- Pain on the outer elbow
- Pain when gripping, lifting or turning a handle
- Weak grip
Causes
- Repetitive wrist and forearm use
- Sudden increase in activity
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment is tailored to the cause and may include medication review, rehabilitation, and image-guided procedures for selected patients.
When to seek help
Seek care for elbow swelling with fever, or after an injury with loss of movement.
| Option | Type | What it involves | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection | Procedure | An injection prepared from your own blood for selected tendon and joint conditions. | 30–45 minutes |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.
