Do you feel a nagging pain in your elbow, especially when lifting, gripping, or twisting your arm? You might be experiencing elbow tendonitis, a common overuse injury that affects people of all ages — from athletes to office workers.

Let’s dive into what tendonitis in the elbow really is, its causes, symptoms, and how to treat and prevent it.

 What Is Elbow Tendonitis?

Elbow tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of the tendons in your elbow — the tough bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. This condition is usually the result of repetitive motion or overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons.

There are two main types of elbow tendonitis:

1. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

   • Affects the outer part of the elbow

   • Caused by repetitive wrist extension (e.g., backhand in tennis, typing)

2. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

   • Affects the inner part of the elbow

   • Caused by repetitive wrist flexion or gripping (e.g., golf, carpentry, lifting)

 What Causes Elbow Tendonitis?

Elbow tendonitis can be triggered by:

• Repetitive movements in sports (tennis, golf, weightlifting)

• Manual labor (plumbing, painting, carpentry)

• Office work (typing, using a mouse for long hours)

• Improper technique in exercise or sports

• Sudden increase in physical activity

 Symptoms of Elbow Tendonitis

• Pain or burning sensation on the inner or outer elbow

• Stiffness or weakness in the forearm

• Pain when gripping, lifting, or twisting

• Tenderness around the elbow joint

• Worsening pain during or after activity

The pain may start mild and gradually worsen over time.

 Diagnosing Tendonitis

Doctors usually diagnose tendonitis with:

• A physical exam to check tenderness and range of motion

• Medical history and activity review

• Imaging tests (X-ray or MRI) if needed to rule out other conditions

Treatment Options

✅ Conservative (First-Line) Treatments

• Rest: Avoid repetitive activities that trigger pain

• Ice: Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes to reduce inflammation

• Compression: Elbow braces or straps can offload tendon stress

• Pain relief medications: NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen

• Stretching and strengthening exercises (under physiotherapy guidance)

 Advanced Treatment (if pain persists)

• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to promote healing

• Surgical treatment (rarely needed, only for chronic, severe cases)

 Prevention Tips

• Warm up before sports or workouts

• Stretch your forearm muscles regularly

• Use proper technique in lifting or sports

• Take breaks from repetitive tasks

• Use ergonomic equipment (keyboards, mouse, tools)

• Don’t ignore early signs of pain — rest when needed

 Final Thoughts

Tendonitis in the elbow can be painful and frustrating, but it’s often manageable with early care and proper treatment. The key is to catch it early, rest the joint, and build strength gradually. If your pain persists or limits your daily activities, talk to a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and plan.Your elbow works hard — give it the care it deserves!

 Credible References

1. Mayo Clinic – Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
   https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tennis-elbow

2. Cleveland Clinic – Elbow Tendonitis
   https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17674-tennis-elbow-lateral-epicondylitis

3. Johns Hopkins Medicine – Golfer’s Elbow
   https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/golfers-elbow

4. MedlinePlus – Tendonitis
   https://medlineplus.gov/tendinitis.html