Tennis Elbow – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment in Singapore

Sports Injury

Persistent pain on the outer part of your elbow may be a sign of tennis elbow, a common overuse condition that affects both athletes and non-athletes. Despite its name, most patients diagnosed with tennis elbow do not play tennis. The condition frequently affects office workers, gym-goers, manual labourers and individuals who perform repetitive arm movements. If left untreated, tennis elbow can become chronic and interfere with daily activities. Early assessment by a tennis elbow specialist can help prevent prolonged pain and tendon damage.

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition involving degeneration of the tendons that attach to the outer elbow (lateral epicondyle). These tendons control wrist and finger extension. Repetitive strain causes microscopic tears and tendon degeneration, leading to pain, weakness and reduced grip strength.

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of these tendons are damaged. Tears can range from partial tears, where the tendon is frayed, to complete tears, where the tendon separates entirely from the bone. Tennis elbow develops gradually due to repetitive stress rather than a single injury. Common causes include:

Repetitive wrist extension
Frequent gripping or lifting
Racquet sports with poor technique
Heavy use of hand tools
Prolonged computer mouse usage
Repetitive gym exercises
Carrying heavy loads frequently

Individuals between 30–50 years old are most commonly affected, though it can occur at any age.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The most common tennis elbow symptoms include:

Pain on the outer elbow
Pain radiating down the forearm
Weak grip strength
Pain when opening jars or turning doorknobs
Discomfort when lifting objects

In early stages, pain occurs only during activity. In more advanced cases, pain may persist even at rest. If symptoms last more than 2–3 weeks, seeking evaluation from a tennis elbow specialist is recommended.

Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow in Singapore

A tennis elbow specialist will diagnose the condition through:

Detailed history of activities
Physical examination
Specific resistance tests to reproduce pain
Imaging (Ultrasound or MRI) if necessary

Imaging helps assess tendon degeneration and rule out other causes of elbow pain.

Treatment for Tennis Elbow in Singapore

Most cases respond well to non-surgical tennis elbow treatment, especially when managed early. 1. Activity Modification Reducing repetitive strain allows the tendon to heal. Ergonomic corrections at work and proper sports technique are essential to prevent recurrence. 2. Medication Short-term use of anti-inflammatory medication may help manage pain during the acute phase. 3. Physiotherapy Physiotherapy is a key component of tennis elbow treatment and may include:

Stretching exercises
Eccentric strengthening
Manual therapy
Shockwave therapy

A structured rehabilitation programme promotes tendon healing and reduces recurrence risk. 4. Bracing A counterforce brace can reduce tendon strain during daily activities. 5. Injection Therapy For persistent cases, a tennis elbow specialist may recommend:

Corticosteroid injections (short-term pain relief)
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections to stimulate tendon healing

Injection therapy is typically considered when conservative treatment has not resulted in sufficient improvement. Surgery for tennis elbow is rarely required. It may be considered if:

Symptoms persist beyond 6–12 months
There is significant tendon degeneration
Non-surgical tennis elbow treatment has failed

Surgical treatment involves removing damaged tendon tissue and stimulating healing. Most patients experience good outcomes with appropriate rehabilitation.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery time depends onseverity and timing of treatment:

Mild cases: 6–12 weeks
Chronic cases: Several months

Early diagnosis by a tennis elbow specialist significantly improves recovery outcomes.

Conclusion

Although tennis elbow is common, prolonged symptoms should not be ignored. Early assessment and structured treatment can prevent chronic pain and long-term tendon damage. If you are experiencing persistent elbow pain, consult our orthopaedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan Book a consultation with our orthopaedic clinic in Singapore today to discuss your symptoms and explore the best treatment options for tennis elbow.