What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury affecting the tendons that attach to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow. These tendons help control wrist extension and grip strength. When they become irritated or weakened from repetitive strain, pain develops in the outer forearm and elbow.
Although its name suggests a sports-related cause, tennis elbow is a joint condition that commonly affects people who overuse their forearm muscles at work or during daily activities, not just athletes.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, tennis elbow is one of the most common causes of elbow pain and can significantly impact grip strength, lifting, and wrist movement.
What causes tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow occurs when the extensor tendons in the forearm are repeatedly stressed, leading to microtears, inflammation, and tendon degeneration over time.
Common risk factors and overuse patterns
Repetitive motions are the primary cause. Common contributors include:
- Racket sports with improper technique
- Repetitive gripping or twisting
- Frequent lifting with the palm facing down
- Manual labor that strains the forearm
- Weightlifting with poor form
- Repeated use of tools like screwdrivers, paint rollers, or wrenches
These movements overload the tendon responsible for extending the wrist, leading to irritation and chronic pain.
Symptoms of tennis elbow
Tennis elbow usually develops gradually, with symptoms worsening over weeks or months. Pain often increases with activity and improves with rest.
Early signs and when to seek care
Common tennis elbow symptoms include:
- Pain on the outer elbow or forearm
- Burning or aching sensations that worsen with activity
- Weakened grip strength
- Pain when lifting, twisting, or grasping objects
- Stiffness in the elbow
- Discomfort that radiates down the forearm
You should seek evaluation at Georgia Endovascular if symptoms persist longer than a few weeks, interfere with daily activities, or worsen despite rest.
Activities that worsen symptoms
Certain tasks can aggravate tennis elbow, including:
- Holding a coffee cup
- Turning a doorknob
- Shaking hands
- Lifting objects with the palm down
- Opening jars
- Repetitive typing or tool use
According to a clinical review published by the National Library of Medicine, repetitive gripping and wrist extension movements are strongly associated with worsening tendon strain in lateral epicondylitis.
How Is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?
One of our providers will begin with a detailed medical history and physical examination to assess tenderness, swelling, range of motion, and grip strength.
Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI, may be used to rule out other conditions and confirm tendon irritation or microtears.
When to Seek Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Professional treatment for tennis elbow is recommended when:
- Pain lasts more than several weeks
- Symptoms return repeatedly after brief improvement
- Pain interferes with work, hobbies, or daily routines
- Weakness or reduced grip strength develops
- Rest and medication no longer provide relief
Early treatment can prevent chronic tendon degeneration and long-term mobility issues.erm damage. These symptoms can negatively impact daily activities and athletic performance.
Minimally invasive treatment options
If conservative measures fail, Georgia Endovascular offers a targeted, nonsurgical treatment designed to relieve pain and inflammation at the source.
Transarterial elbow embolization (TAE)
TAE is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that reduces abnormal blood flow around the damaged tendon in the elbow. By decreasing inflammation and nerve sensitivity, TAE helps the tendon heal naturally and provides long-term relief.
How TAE works
Inflamed tendons develop excess blood vessels that worsen pain signals.
TAE works by:
- Blocking abnormal microvessels
- Reducing inflammatory activity
- Improving tendon healing
- Relieving pain without altering tendon structure
Step-by-step overview of the procedure
- A tiny catheter is inserted into an artery in the wrist or arm.
- Using real-time imaging, the physician guides the catheter to the vessels supplying the inflamed tendon.
- Microscopic particles are released to block abnormal blood flow.
- The catheter is removed, and a small bandage is applied.
No stitches, no general anesthesia, and no hospital stay are required.
Recovery timeline and patient expectations
Most patients resume light, normal activity within a few days of TAE. Over the following weeks, improvements may include:
- Less elbow pain
- Better grip strength
- Greater wrist and arm mobility
Most people experience meaningful relief within one to three months.
Benefits of TAE compared to surgery
TAE offers several advantages:
- Minimally invasive, no large incisions
- Faster recovery and minimal downtime
- Lower risk of complications
- Outpatient procedure
- Preserves normal tendon anatomy
- No general anesthesia
Is TAE right for you?
You may be a candidate for TAE at Georgia Endovascular if:
- You’ve had elbow pain for more than three months
- Physical therapy, rest, or medication haven’t helped
- Imaging shows tendon inflammation
- Pain limits work, exercise, or daily tasks
- You want a nonsurgical treatment option
TAE is often recommended for individuals with chronic tendon inflammation who have not improved with conservative therapy such as bracing, stretching, or anti-inflammatory medication.
When to consider TAE after conservative care fails
If self-care measures don’t produce relief within several weeks, or if pain keeps returning, TAE may provide longer, more effective results than traditional nonsurgical treatments.
Expert tennis elbow treatment in Georgia
Tennis elbow can make even simple tasks feel painful and exhausting, but lasting relief is possible with the right care.
At Georgia Endovascular, our board-certified interventional radiologists specialize in advanced, minimally invasive treatments that target pain at its source, without surgery, long recovery times, or major disruption to your daily life.
Whether you’re struggling with persistent elbow pain, reduced grip strength, or symptoms that haven’t improved with rest or physical therapy, our team is here to help you restore mobility and return to the activities you enjoy.
If you’re ready to explore your treatment options or want to speak with a specialist, find a Georgia Endovascular location near you to get started.
FAQs about tennis elbow
Here are answers to commonly asked questions about tennis elbow and its treatment options.
Can tennis elbow go away on its own?
Mild cases may improve with rest, ice, and activity modification. Persistent or recurring cases usually require medical evaluation.
What’s the difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?
- Tennis elbow affects the outer tendon (lateral epicondyle).
- Golfer’s elbow affects the inner tendon (medial epicondyle).
Both come from repetitive strain but involve different tendon groups.
How long does recovery take?
Mild cases of tennis elbow can improve within weeks. With TAE, most patients resume normal activity within days and experience continued improvement over several months.
Is transarterial elbow embolization painful?
The TAE procedure is typically well-tolerated with local anesthesia. Mild soreness afterward is possible but usually resolves within a few days.
How soon can I return to work or sports after treatment?
Most people return to daily activities within a few days. Your provider will give personalized guidance based on your job demands and activity level.
