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Published on: 8/20/2026

Where is the pain typically located in tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) causes pain on the outer part of the elbow, where forearm muscles and tendons attach to a bony bump called the lateral epicondyle. The pain often radiates down the forearm and worsens with gripping, lifting, or wrist movement. Common triggers include repetitive motion, poor technique, or overuse—not just tennis.

Because elbow pain can stem from many causes (tendonitis, nerve compression, arthritis, or injury), identifying the source early helps guide effective treatment and prevents worsening symptoms. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what's likely behind your pain and what steps to take next—whether that's home care, physical therapy, or seeing a specialist. It takes just a few minutes and could save you weeks of guessing.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, causes pain on the outside of the elbow where there's a small bony bump called the lateral epicondyle. Pain typically occurs when you overuse the muscles and tendons that help extend your wrist and fingers — common in tennis or during repetitive work tasks. When strained, the pain often begins at the lateral epicondyle and can radiate down the forearm. Everyday activities like shaking hands, lifting objects, or turning doorknobs may worsen the pain. Gripping objects can trigger discomfort or a burning sensation along the forearm. If you're experiencing persistent elbow pain and want to better understand your symptoms, try our free AI symptom checker to help identify what might be causing your discomfort. Since this condition results from repetitive motion, treatment usually involves resting the elbow and applying ice, along with other remedies your doctor may recommend.

(References)

  • Foley AE. Tennis elbow. Am Fam Physician. 1993 Aug;48(2):281-8. PMID: 8342481.

  • Buchanan BK, Varacallo MA. Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow). 2023 Aug 4. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 28613744.

  • Kheiran A, Pandey A, Pandey R. Common tendinopathies around the elbow; what does current evidence say? J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2021 May 21;19:216-223. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2021.05.021. PMID: 34150494; PMCID: PMC8190485.

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