Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
Degenerative irritation of the common extensor tendon at the outer elbow, strongly associated with repetitive gripping and wrist extension activity.
Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.
Pain frequency45
Recovery length35
Exercise load35
Clinician need40
Self-care fit70
Recurrence risk45
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Last reviewed Sources & creditsMedia creditsMethodology
Quick answers
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is degenerative irritation of the tendons attaching to the outer bony bump of the elbow, most often related to repetitive wrist extension and gripping rather than tennis specifically.
What is golfer's elbow?
Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a similar condition affecting the tendons on the inner side of the elbow, associated with repetitive gripping and wrist flexion activities.
Is elbow tendinopathy an inflammatory condition?
Research has shown that chronically affected tendons often show degenerative changes with little active inflammation, which is part of why the term tendinopathy is now often preferred over the older term tendinitis.
How long does tennis elbow typically take to resolve?
Many cases improve substantially within six to twelve weeks with activity modification and progressive loading exercise, though some persist for six months or longer without proper management.
What is cubital tunnel syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome involves compression of the ulnar nerve as it passes behind the inner elbow, producing numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers.
Do elbow braces or straps help?
Counterforce bracing is commonly used to reduce load on irritated tendons during activity, though most guidelines consider it a supportive measure alongside, rather than a replacement for, progressive exercise.
The large majority of elbow complaints in adults relate to overuse of the tendons attaching near the epicondyles rather than to the joint itself or to acute trauma.
Less common presentations include nerve entrapment, ligament injury in throwing athletes, and degenerative joint changes, each with distinct patterns of onset and risk factors.
Relative clinical burden
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)70
Medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow)40
Cubital tunnel syndrome30
Elbow bursitis25
Ulnar collateral ligament injury15
Elbow osteoarthritis20
Common problems
Medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow)
A similar condition affecting the common flexor tendon at the inner elbow, associated with repetitive gripping and wrist flexion activity.
Cubital tunnel syndrome
Compression of the ulnar nerve behind the inner elbow, often aggravated by prolonged elbow bending, producing numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers.
Elbow bursitis
Swelling of the fluid-filled sac at the tip of the elbow, often related to repeated pressure or minor trauma, sometimes producing a visible soft lump.
Ulnar collateral ligament injury
Injury to the inner elbow ligament from repetitive throwing stress, most notable in baseball pitchers, ranging from mild sprain to complete rupture.
Elbow osteoarthritis
Degenerative joint change most common after prior trauma or in occupations involving heavy repetitive loading, producing stiffness and reduced range of motion.
Because tendon-related conditions dominate elbow presentations, a careful history of activity and load is often as informative as the physical examination itself in identifying the likely diagnosis.
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