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Quennell Hand & Wrist 01632 960 718 Book
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Where it is: Outside of the elbow

Tennis elbow

Also called: lateral elbow pain

The tendon that lifts the wrist anchors on the bony point at the outside of the elbow. Overload it, with a new tool, a heavy week or a long project, and it becomes sore where it attaches.

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A drawing of a left hand and wrist, palm up, with the bones and joints shown faintly beneath the skin, and a small detail drawing of the elbow. A violet surgical marker dot sits on the base of the thumb.
Plate 1 Outside of the elbow

What it feels like

  • Pain on the outside of the elbow when you grip or lift
  • Weakness lifting a kettle, a mug or a full bag
  • Soreness pressing on the bony point

What we look for

We press on the tendon, test it against resistance and watch how you grip, and we ask about your work and your tools.

What usually helps

  1. A loading programme with your hand therapist, the treatment with the best record
  2. A strap and changes to grip and tools while it settles
  3. Surgery only for the few who have not improved after a year

A typical recovery

  1. Weeks 1 to 4Lighter loads, the programme begins
  2. Weeks 6 to 12Strength returns, pain eases
  3. Month 6Most people well again

Illustrative timeline, not a promise: every hand heals at its own pace.