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Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

What is Tennis Elbow?

  • Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common cause of pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow where the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon attaches to the bone on the lateral epicondyle of the humerus [Wolf, 2023; Tosti et al, 2013].
  • Once thought to be a result of inflammation, research shows that tennis elbow is due to chronic degenerative changes and partial tearing of the tendon rather than acute inflammation. Histopathological findings typically show angiofibroblastic tendinosis, which includes fibroblast proliferation, vascular hyperplasia, and disorganized collagen [Wolf, 2023].
Tennis elbow anatomy

What causes Tennis Elbow

  • Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is thought to be caused by chronic degenerative change at the origin of the elbow extensor tendons, though the exact cause is not well understood.

    • Pathological evaluation has shown infiltration of fibroblasts, vascular hyperplasia, and disorganized collagen, a process termed angiofibroblastic tendinosis, rather than a primarily inflammatory condition [Wolf, 2023].

  • The condition is characterized by the insidious onset of lateral elbow pain, usually in the absence of trauma, and affects 1 to 3% of adults with peak prevalence among persons aged 40 to 49 years [Wolf, 2023].

  • Risk factors for developing tennis elbow include repetitive occupational or athletic activities involving wrist extension and supination, as well as high physical load [Wolf, 2023; Tosti et al, 2013]. The condition is most prevalent among individuals aged 40 to 49 years [Wolf, 2023].

What causes tennis elbow
MRI of lateral epicondylitis with thickening common extensor tendon, Contributed by Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)

How is Tennis Elbow diagnosed?

  • Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is primarily diagnosed clinically.

    • Patients typically present with a gradual onset of lateral elbow pain without a history of trauma. Patients will typically report pain or burning over the outside of the elbow. Weak grip strength is common.

    • On physical examination, findings include tenderness at the lateral epicondyle of the distal humerus and pain or weakness with resisted wrist extension [Wolf, 2023].

  • Imaging studies include:

    • Plane radiographs (x-rays) can be ordered to rule out associated pathology, including osteoarthritis, but are not always required [Wolf, 2023].

    • Diagnostic ultrasound can reveal tendon thickening, hypoechogenicity, and neovascularity and has a high
      sensitivity (75%-100%) and specificity (85%-96%) [Karanasios et al, 2022; Keijsers, 2018].

    • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is another option, particularly useful for identifying tendon thickening and enthesopathy, with sensitivity and specificity ranging from 81%-100% [Karanasios et al, 2022].

What are the treatments for tennis elbow?

Conservative Management

  • The treatment options for tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, encompass a range of nonoperative and operative strategies. In the majority of cases, tennis elbow resolves over time with conservative management, including physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (i.e. Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve, naproxen), and injections.
Diagnostic ultrasaound showing a hypoechoic partial tear of the common extensor tendon (arrows) in both short-axis and long-axis views of the tendon.
    • Corticosteroid injections: Steroids can provide short-term pain relief but should be used with caution due to potential long-term adverse effects. [Hegmann et al, 2013; Johnson et al, 2007; Wolf, 2023].
      • In a study by Coombes et al. in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), patients that receive a cortisone injection do worse at the one-year follow-up than those that receive a placebo injection suggesting that cortisone injections can help for a few months, but may ultimately inhibit healing long-term.
  • Prolotherapy has been evaluated in several studies, with mixed but generally positive results.
    • A systematic review and meta-analysis by Zhu et al. found that hypertonic dextrose prolotherapy (DPT) significantly reduced pain and improved function at 12 weeks compared to active controls.
    • Ciftci et al. conducted a double-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing low-dose (5%) and high-dose (15%) dextrose prolotherapy. Both concentrations were more effective than saline in improving pain, handgrip strength and functionality at 12 weeks, with the 15% dextrose group showing superiorresults in handgrip strength and pressure-pain threshold.
    • Rabago et al. in a pilot-level randomized controlled trial, demonstrated that prolotherapy with dextrose significantly improved pain and function compared to a wait-and-see approach with a high patient satisfaction and no adverse events.
    • Akcay et al. compared dextrose prolotherapy to saline injections and found that prolotherapy significantly improved pain and function as measured at 4 and 12 weeks.
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous blood injections have
    conflicting evidence regarding their efficacy with some studies showing benefit and others not. Learn more about PRP HERE.
    • A systematic review and meta-analysis by Xu et al. found that PRP provides better long-term (≥6 months) improvement in pain and function compared to corticosteroids (CS).[1] Specifically, PRP showed significant improvements in pain and function at the long-term follow-up.
    • Oeding et al. highlighted that the efficacy of PRP is influenced by the platelet concentration, with high-dose PRP showing significant pain relief compared to low-dose PRP and other treatments. This suggests that the variability in outcomes may be due to differences in PRP preparation.
    • Gosens et al. showed that when comparing PRP to steroids, that PRP to be more effective for tennis elbow.
  • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): The evidence for Shock Wave Therapy in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is mixed but generally supports its efficacy, particularly for pain relief and grip strength recovery.
    • Liu et al. conducted a network meta-analysis and concluded that ESWT was superior to placebo therapies for both short term and medium-term pain relief and grip strength recovery. ESWT was ranked as the most optimal treatment for grip strength recovery in both short-term and medium-term follow-ups.
    • A systematic review and meta-analysis by Yoon et al. found that radial ESWT resulted in improvement pain and grip
      strength, although the mean difference in pain scores did not exceed the minimal clinically important difference threshold. The study also noted that ESWT was more effective in patients with symptoms lasting more than six months, but the effects did not last beyond 24 weeks again suggesting short-term benefit.

Operative treatments

Surgery is considered for refractory cases that do not respond to nonoperative measures after 6-12 months:

  • Surgical Debridement: Options include open, arthroscopic, or percutaneous techniques. Arthroscopic debridement has shown good clinical outcomes and is associated with radiographic improvements [Hohmann, 2022; Savoie et al, 2010].
  • Tenotomy under Ultrasound Guidance using the TENEX device: The evidence for the use of ultrasound-guided tenotomy, including the Tenex system, in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is generally supportive, particularly for patients with refractory symptoms.Learn more about TENEX HERE.
    • Koh et al. published the first study on the Tenex device and showed significant improvements in pain and function at the 12 month follow-up. Sonographic assessments revealed reduced tendon thickness, resolved or reduced hypervascularity, and reduced hypoechoic areas. No complications were reported, and 95% of patients expressed satisfaction with the procedure
    • A study by Chalian et al. demonstrated that ultrasound-guided tenotomy using the Tenex system significantly improved function in patients with refractory lateral epicondylitis. These improvements were sustained for up to three years, with no reported complications.
    • A meta-analysis by Shomal Zadeh et al. found that a tenotomy under ultrasound-guidance significantly alleviated pain and improved function in chronic tendinopathy, including lateral
      epicondylitis, with benefits persisting in the short, intermediate, and long term.
    • Boden et al. compared PRP injections to the Tenex procedure and found both treatments to be effective in improving pain, function, and quality of life, with no significant differences between the two modalities.
    • Ang et al. reported long-term benefits of tenotomy under ultrasound-guidance, showing sustained pain relief, functional improvement, and sonographic evidence of tissue healing at 90 months follow-up, with 100% patient satisfaction and no adverse outcomes.

frequently asked questions

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis or lateral elbow tendinopathy, is a condition caused by degeneration and microtearing of the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, most cases occur in people who have never played tennis and are related to repetitive gripping, lifting, typing, manual labor, or recreational activities.

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain on the outside of the elbow
  • Tenderness over the lateral epicondyle (bony prominence)
  • Pain when gripping, lifting, or shaking hands
  • Weak grip strength
  • Pain with activities such as opening jars, carrying groceries, or using tools

Tennis elbow develops when repetitive stress exceeds the tendon’s ability to heal. Common causes include:

  • Racquet sports
  • Golf
  • Weightlifting
  • Construction or manual labor
  • Repetitive computer or mouse use
  • Frequent lifting or gripping activities

Diagnosis is typically based on history, physical examination, and diagnostic ultrasound. Ultrasound can identify tendon thickening, degeneration, partial tears, calcifications, and increased blood flow associated with chronic tendinopathy. In some cases, MRI may be recommended if other conditions are suspected.

Some cases improve with activity modification, physical therapy, and time. However, symptoms can persist for months or even years when significant tendon degeneration is present. Chronic cases often require more targeted treatment to stimulate tendon healing.

Treatment options may include:

  • Activity modification
  • Physical therapy
  • Bracing
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Shockwave therapy
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
  • Ultrasound-guided percutaneous tenotomy
  • Ultrasound-guided tendon debridement procedures
  • Surgical intervention for severe or refractory cases

Corticosteroid injections may provide short-term pain relief, but multiple studies have demonstrated higher recurrence rates and poorer long-term outcomes compared with other treatments. They do not address the underlying tendon degeneration.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to deliver growth factors that may stimulate tendon healing. PRP has been shown in multiple studies to improve pain and function in patients with chronic tennis elbow who have not responded to conservative treatment.

In most cases, yes. The goal is to modify activities that aggravate symptoms while maintaining overall fitness. A rehabilitation program can help identify exercises that promote healing while minimizing further tendon stress.

Patients with symptoms lasting longer than 3–6 months, persistent pain despite physical therapy, or ultrasound evidence of tendon degeneration may be candidates for regenerative treatments such as PRP or minimally invasive ultrasound-guided tendon procedures. A comprehensive evaluation can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition.

REFERENCES

  1. Akcay S, Gurel Kandemir N, Kaya T, Dogan N, Eren M. Dextrose Prolotherapy Versus Normal Saline Injection for the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2020 Dec;26(12):1159-1168.
  2. Ang BFH, Mohan PC, Png MA, Allen JC Jr, Howe TS, Koh JSB, Lee BP, Morrey BF. Ultrasonic Percutaneous Tenotomy for Recalcitrant Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy: Clinical and Sonographic Results at 90 Months. Am J Sports Med. 2021 Jun;49(7):1854-1860.
  3. Boden AL, Scott MT, Dalwadi PP, Mautner K, Mason RA, Gottschalk MB. Platelet-rich plasma versus Tenex in the treatment of medial and lateral epicondylitis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2019 Jan;28(1):112-119.
  4. Calfee RP, Patel A, DaSilva MF, Akelman E. Management of lateral epicondylitis: current concepts. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2008 Jan;16(1):19-29.
  5. Chalian M, Nacey NC, Rawat U, Knight J, Lancaster T, Deal DN, Pierce J. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle tenotomy using Tenex system for refractory lateral epicondylitis; short and long-term effectiveness and contributing factors. Skeletal Radiol. 2021 Oct;50(10):2049-2057.
  6. Ciftci YGD, Tuncay F, Kocak FA, Okcu M. Is Low-Dose Dextrose Prolotherapy as Effective as High-Dose Dextrose Prolotherapy in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis? A Double-Blind, Ultrasound Guided, Randomized Controlled Study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2023 Feb;104(2):179-187.
  7. Coombes BK, Bisset L, Brooks P, Khan A, Vicenzino B. Effect of corticosteroid injection, physiotherapy, or both on clinical outcomes in patients with unilateral lateral epicondylalgia: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2013 Feb 6;309(5):461-9.
  8. Gosens T, Peerbooms JC, van Laar W, den Oudsten BL. Ongoing positive effect of platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroid injection in lateral epicondylitis: a double-blind randomized controlled trial with 2-year follow-up. Am J Sports Med. 2011 Jun;39(6):1200-8.

  9. Hegmann KT, Hoffman HE, Belcourt RM, Byrne K, Glass L, Melhorn JM, Richman J, Zinni P 3rd, Thiese MS, Ott U, Tokita K, Passey DG, Effiong AC, Robbins RB, Ording JA; American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. ACOEM practice guidelines: elbow disorders. J Occup Environ Med. 2013 Nov;55(11):1365-74.

  10. Hohmann E. Editorial Commentary: Arthroscopic Debridement of Tennis Elbow Nonresponsive to Nonoperative Measures Is a Good Option and Clinical Outcomes Are Associated With Radiographic Outcomes. Arthroscopy. 2022 Dec;38(12):3130-3132.

  11. Johnson GW, Cadwallader K, Scheffel SB, Epperly TD. Treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Am Fam Physician. 2007 Sep 15;76(6):843-8.

  12. Keijsers R, de Vos RJ, Kuijer PPF, van den Bekerom MP, van der Woude HJ, Eygendaal D. Tennis elbow. Shoulder Elbow.2019 Oct;11(5):384-392.

  13. Koh JS, Mohan PC, Howe TS, Lee BP, Chia SL, Yang Z, Morrey BF. Fasciotomy and surgical tenotomy for recalcitrant lateral elbow tendinopathy: early clinical experience with a novel device for minimally invasive percutaneous microresection. Am J Sports Med. 2013 Mar;41(3):636-44.

  14. Liu WC, Chen CT, Lu CC, Tsai YC, Liu YC, Hsu CW, Shih CL, Chen PC, Fu YC. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Shows Superiority Over Injections for Pain Relief and Grip Strength Recovery in Lateral Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. Arthroscopy. 2022 Jun;38(6):2018-2034.e12.

  15. McShane JM, Nazarian LN, Harwood MI. Sonographically guided percutaneous needle tenotomy for treatment of common extensor tendinosis in the elbow. J Ultrasound Med. 2006 Oct;25(10):1281-9.

  16. Oeding JF, Varady NH, Messer CJ, Dines JS, Williams RJ, Rodeo SA. Platelet Concentration Explains Variability in Outcomes of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Lateral Epicondylitis: A High Dose Is Critical for a Positive Response: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis With Meta-regression. Am J Sports Med. 2025 Jan 27:3635465241303716.
  17. Rabago D, Lee KS, Ryan M, Chourasia AO, Sesto ME, Zgierska A, Kijowski R, Grettie J, Wilson J, Miller D. Hypertonic dextrose and morrhuate sodium injections (prolotherapy) for lateral epicondylosis (tennis elbow): results of a single-blind, pilot-level, randomized controlled trial. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2013 Jul;92(7):587-96.
  18. Savoie FH 3rd, VanSice W, O'Brien MJ. Arthroscopic tennis elbow release. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2010 Mar;19(2 Suppl):31-6.
  19. Shomal Zadeh F, Shafiei M, Shomalzadeh M, Pierce J, Thurlow PC, Chalian M. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided needle tenotomy for treatment of chronic tendinopathy and fasciopathy: a meta-analysis. Eur Radiol. 2023 Oct;33(10):7303-7320.
  20. Tosti R, Jennings J, Sewards JM. Lateral epicondylitis of the elbow. Am J Med. 2013 Apr;126(4):357.e1-6.
  21. Wolf JM. Lateral Epicondylitis. N Engl J Med. 2023 Jun 22;388(25):2371-2377.
  22. Xu Y, Li T, Wang L, Yao L, Li J, Tang X. Platelet-Rich Plasma Has Better Results for Long-term Functional Improvement and Pain Relief for Lateral Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Sports Med. 2024 Aug;52(10):2646-2656.
  23. Zhu M, Rabago D, Chung VC, Reeves KD, Wong SY, Sit RW. Effects of Hypertonic Dextrose Injection (Prolotherapy) in Lateral Elbow Tendinosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2022 Nov;103(11):2209-2218.

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