Elbow Tendinopathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates
Elbow Tendinopathy: What It Is and How We Treat It at Princeton Orthopaedic Associates
Elbow tendinopathy is a common overuse injury that causes pain and tenderness in the tendons around the elbow. It happens when these tendons—connecting muscle to bone—become irritated from repeated stress. In this blog, you’ll find simple home treatments that can help relieve symptoms and learn when it’s time to see a specialist.
Quick overview
We’ll cover what causes elbow tendinopathy, the differences between lateral and medial types, practical home care tips, rehab strategies like strengthening and stretching, and when injections or surgery might be needed.
What Is Elbow Tendinopathy?
Elbow tendinopathy is an overuse condition where the tendons around your elbow become irritated. Tendons connect muscles to bone, and when they’re overloaded they can be painful and tender.
There are two common forms. Lateral elbow tendinopathy affects the outer elbow and is often called tennis elbow. Medial elbow tendinopathy affects the inner elbow and is often called golfer's elbow. Both share similar causes and treatments.
What Causes Elbow Tendinopathy?
Repeated or forceful wrist and arm motions are the usual culprits. These motions create small tears and inflammation in the tendon where it attaches to the bone.
Repeated gripping or twisting of the wrist
Working with vibrating tools or heavy lifting
Poor technique in sports or tasks that load the forearm
Weakness in the wrist or shoulder that shifts stress to the elbow
Simple Steps You Can Try at Home
Many people feel better with early conservative care. Try these measures for several weeks while monitoring symptoms.
Modify activities that cause pain and avoid repetitive motions when possible
Ice the area for 10 to 15 minutes every few hours to reduce pain and swelling
Use over the counter anti inflammatory medication if it’s safe for you and your doctor agrees
Wear a counterforce strap or supportive brace during aggravating activities
Rehabilitation: Exercises and Therapy
Physical therapy is the mainstay for lasting relief. A therapist will show you targeted exercises to rebuild tendon health and correct movement patterns.
Eccentric strengthening of the wrist extensor or flexor muscles helps rebuild tendon tolerance
Grip strengthening and progressive loading programs are used once pain improves
Stretching and manual therapy help reduce tightness in the forearm and shoulder
Other Medical Treatments
If symptoms persist despite conservative care, your provider may discuss additional options. These are considered after a careful evaluation.
Corticosteroid injections may offer short term relief in select cases, but guidelines warn about potential tendon weakening or rupture with repeated use. A careful, shared decision process helps decide if this option fits your goals and activity level [AAOS guidelines 2020; NICE guidelines 2021].
PRP injections, a type of biologic treatment, may be discussed when appropriate. Current evidence is mixed and appears to depend on the specific tendinopathy and stage of injury; decisions should be individualized based on patient needs [Cochrane review on PRP for tendinopathy 2019; AAOS guidelines 2020].
Surgery is rarely needed and is reserved for persistent tendon damage that affects function
Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies with how long symptoms have been present and how consistently you follow rehab recommendations.
Therapy and strengthening restore function for most people
Chronic
2 months or longer
May need advanced treatments and extended rehab for full recovery
Preventing Recurrence
Once your pain improves, keep working on strength, flexibility, and technique. Those steps reduce the chance that tendinopathy will come back.
Practice ergonomic changes at work and during activities
Use proper form for sports and lifting
Build balanced strength in the forearm, shoulder, and core
Gradually increase activity load rather than jumping back in too fast
When You Should See Us
Contact our team if pain lasts despite home care, limits your daily tasks, or if you’re losing strength. We’ll evaluate your elbow, identify the root cause, and recommend a personalized plan.
Schedule an exam with one of our sports medicine doctors or physical therapists to get targeted treatment and a clear recovery plan.
This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.
