Outer elbow pain is a common complaint among many people, especially those who use their arms repeatedly in daily activities, sports, or jobs that demand heavy hand and wrist movements. Often, people ignore this pain at the beginning, assuming it will go away with rest. But when the pain doesn’t quit, continues for weeks or months, and starts affecting your ability to grip, lift, or even shake hands, it could be something more serious. One of the most frequent causes of persistent outer elbow pain is a condition called Tennis Elbow.
At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, Dr. Vishal Sahni, a highly experienced orthopaedic surgeon with expertise in shoulder, elbow, and wrist treatments, regularly treats patients suffering from Tennis Elbow. With over 24 years of experience in India and London, he offers advanced, pain-free, and personalised treatments to help patients recover and regain their normal life.
This article will explain everything you need to know about outer elbow pain and Tennis Elbow — causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and modern treatment options.
What Exactly Is Tennis Elbow?
Despite its name, Tennis Elbow is not limited to athletes or tennis players. Medically, the condition is called Lateral Epicondylitis. It happens when the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow (lateral epicondyle) become inflamed or develop tiny tears due to overuse.
This damage causes pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, which often radiates down into the forearm and wrist. The discomfort worsens with gripping, twisting, or lifting movements. Even simple tasks like turning a doorknob, holding a cup of tea, typing on a computer, or carrying grocery bags can trigger pain.
Why Does Tennis Elbow Happen?
Tennis Elbow is mainly caused by repetitive strain on the forearm muscles and tendons. When these structures are overused or strained without adequate rest, small tears develop, leading to pain and inflammation. Some of the common reasons include:
- Sports activities – Tennis, badminton, squash, or other racquet sports where forearm and wrist movements are intense.
- Work-related strain – Carpenters, painters, plumbers, butchers, and mechanics often develop Tennis Elbow because of repeated gripping and lifting.
- Computer use – Long hours of typing or mouse use can also put stress on the forearm tendons.
- Everyday activities – Even household chores like chopping vegetables, gardening, or lifting buckets can trigger this condition.
It’s important to note that Tennis Elbow is not an overnight injury; it develops gradually and worsens if ignored.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow You Shouldn’t Ignore
Outer elbow pain is the hallmark of Tennis Elbow, but the condition has other signs too. Recognising these symptoms early helps in seeking timely treatment:
- Persistent pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow
- Pain radiating to the forearm and wrist
- Weak grip strength (struggling to hold objects)
- Increased pain during activities like shaking hands, holding a pen, lifting objects, or twisting the wrist
- Stiffness in the elbow joint, especially in the morning
If you notice that simple everyday activities are becoming painful, it’s a sign that you should consult a shoulder and elbow specialist like Dr. Vishal Sahni.
Who Is at Risk of Tennis Elbow?
Tennis Elbow can affect anyone, not just athletes. Some risk groups include:
- Adults between the ages of 30 and 50 years
- People with occupations that involve repetitive wrist or arm movements (plumbers, painters, carpenters, cooks, computer professionals)
- Athletes, especially racquet sport players
- Homemakers involved in frequent repetitive household work
- Individuals with poor posture or weak forearm muscles
How Is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?
When you visit an orthopaedic doctor in Nagpur, the diagnosis usually begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. Dr. Vishal Sahni carefully examines the elbow, checking for pain points, movement restrictions, and grip strength.
In most cases, clinical examination is enough. However, to rule out other conditions like arthritis, nerve compression, or ligament injuries, additional investigations may be suggested:
- X-ray – To rule out bone problems.
- Ultrasound or MRI – To assess tendon damage in more detail.
Accurate diagnosis is the first step to creating a personalised treatment plan.
Why Ignoring Tennis Elbow Can Be Harmful
Some people assume that outer elbow pain will eventually disappear on its own. While mild cases may improve with rest, untreated Tennis Elbow can become chronic, leading to:
- Constant pain even at rest
- Difficulty in performing simple tasks like writing or carrying objects
- Long-term tendon damage
- Reduced flexibility and grip strength
- Delayed recovery that may require surgical treatment
That’s why early consultation with a shoulder and elbow specialist in Nagpur like Dr. Vishal Sahni is crucial.
Advanced Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow
At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, treatment for Tennis Elbow is customised depending on the severity of the condition. The goal is to reduce pain, heal the tendon, and restore full function of the elbow.
1. Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments
- Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that strain the elbow and allowing time for healing.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory medicines help reduce pain and swelling.
- Physiotherapy: Special exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles and improve flexibility.
- Elbow Braces or Straps: These provide support and reduce tendon stress during activities.
- Cold/Heat Therapy: Ice packs for reducing inflammation, or heat therapy for improving blood flow.
2. Advanced Non-Surgical Procedures
- Corticosteroid Injections: Used in some cases for quick pain relief.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: A modern regenerative treatment where the patient’s own blood platelets are injected into the affected tendon to stimulate healing.
3. Surgical Options
If pain persists despite all conservative measures, surgery may be recommended. In Tennis Elbow surgery, the damaged tendon tissue is removed, and the healthy tendon is reattached. With minimally invasive techniques, recovery is faster, and patients can return to their normal routine in a short time.
Dr. Vishal Sahni, being a specialist in shoulder, elbow, and wrist surgeries, ensures that patients receive world-class treatment with advanced surgical techniques whenever required.
Recovery and Prevention
Recovery from Tennis Elbow depends on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment. With proper care, most patients recover fully within a few months.
To prevent recurrence:
- Warm up before sports or strenuous activities
- Use proper techniques in racquet sports and gym exercises
- Take breaks during repetitive tasks
- Strengthen forearm and wrist muscles with regular exercises
- Avoid sudden overuse of arm muscles
Why Choose Dr. Vishal Sahni at London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur?
- Specialised Expertise: Over two decades of experience in treating shoulder, elbow, and wrist problems.
- Personalised Care: Tailored treatment plans according to each patient’s lifestyle and condition.
- Advanced Techniques: Use of modern, minimally invasive surgical and non-surgical treatments.
- Holistic Recovery Approach: Focus on pain relief, functional restoration, and long-term prevention.
Patients from Nagpur and nearby regions trust Dr. Sahni for effective treatment of elbow pain, shoulder dislocation, rotator cuff tears, and wrist conditions.
Final Thoughts
Outer elbow pain that refuses to go away should never be ignored. While it may start as mild discomfort, it can progress to a condition that affects your daily life. Tennis Elbow is one of the most common causes, but with timely diagnosis and the right treatment, complete recovery is possible.
If you or a loved one is struggling with persistent elbow pain, consult Dr. Vishal Sahni, an experienced orthopaedic surgeon and shoulder & elbow specialist in Nagpur, at the London Orthopaedic Clinic, Dhantoli. His expertise ensures that patients get the right care, advanced treatment, and a path back to a pain-free, active lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Tennis Elbow
1. What is the main cause of outer elbow pain?
The most common cause of persistent outer elbow pain is Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis). It occurs due to overuse or repetitive strain of the forearm muscles and tendons attached to the outer part of the elbow.
2. How do I know if my elbow pain is Tennis Elbow?
If you experience pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, difficulty gripping objects, pain while lifting or twisting the wrist, and weakness in your hand, it may be Tennis Elbow. A proper diagnosis from an orthopaedic doctor is essential.
3. Can Tennis Elbow heal on its own?
Mild cases may improve with rest, but if the pain persists for weeks or months, it usually needs medical treatment like physiotherapy, medication, or advanced therapies. Ignoring it can lead to chronic pain.
4. Who is most likely to get Tennis Elbow?
People between 30 and 50 years, athletes in racquet sports, manual labourers (plumbers, carpenters, painters), homemakers, and office workers who use computers for long hours are more prone to Tennis Elbow.
5. Is Tennis Elbow only caused by playing tennis?
No. The name can be misleading. Only about 10% of Tennis Elbow cases are linked to playing tennis. Most patients develop it due to repetitive arm use in work, household activities, or other sports.
6. What is the fastest way to treat Tennis Elbow?
The fastest relief usually comes from a combination of rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy, and elbow braces. In some cases, advanced options like PRP therapy or corticosteroid injections may be used for quicker healing.
7. When should I see a doctor for elbow pain?
If elbow pain lasts for more than 2 weeks, worsens with daily activities, or if you experience weakness in your grip, it’s important to consult an orthopaedic specialist in Nagpur like Dr. Vishal Sahni for proper evaluation.
8. How long does Tennis Elbow take to heal?
Recovery varies depending on the severity. With proper treatment, mild cases may heal in 6 to 12 weeks, while more severe cases can take 3 to 6 months. Chronic cases may require surgical intervention.
9. Can Tennis Elbow come back after treatment?
Yes, Tennis Elbow can recur if preventive measures are not followed. Strengthening exercises, correct posture, and avoiding repetitive overuse of the arm are important to prevent recurrence.
10. What treatments does Dr. Vishal Sahni offer for Tennis Elbow in Nagpur?
At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, Dr. Sahni offers personalised treatment including:
- Rest and lifestyle modification
- Medications and physiotherapy
- Advanced therapies like PRP injections
- Minimally invasive surgery if needed