Tennis elbow develops when the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow become irritated or worn from repeated stress. Common signs include:

• Pain on the outside of the elbow: A burning or aching pain over the bony bump that can travel down the forearm toward the wrist.
  • Pain typically worsens with gripping, lifting, twisting the forearm, shaking hands or using tools.
• Weak grip: Difficulty holding a cup, carrying a bag or squeezing objects because the elbow hurts or the hand feels weak.
• Tenderness at the elbow: A sore spot on the outside of the elbow when you press on it.
• Pain with everyday tasks: Discomfort when turning a doorknob, opening a jar, typing or using a computer mouse.
• Symptoms that build gradually: Pain that starts mild and becomes more constant, sometimes waking you at night, over weeks or months.
  • Pain on the inside of the elbow is more typical of golfer’s elbow, a related but different tendon condition, which is one reason an exam matters.

The right treatment depends on how long symptoms have been present and how much they limit your daily life. Most patients begin with non-surgical care. Dr. Yaffe’s options include:

• Non-surgical care: Rest and activity changes, ice, bracing, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. These measures aim to calm the irritated tendon and let it heal, particularly when tennis elbow is caught early.
• Tenex FAST procedure: A minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided procedure for chronic tennis elbow that takes about 15 minutes and requires no sutures. Most patients return to normal activities in about 4 to 6 weeks, though recovery varies from patient to patient.
• Minimally-Invasive Surgery(opens in a new tab): Dr. Yaffe uses techniques developed specifically for the upper extremity, including Tenex FAST for elbow epicondylitis, with the goal of reducing recovery time and getting you back to work and sports as soon as possible.
• Biologic Injection Therapy(opens in a new tab): Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a non-cortisone injection option that can be considered for some patients with tendon pain. Whether it is a good fit for your elbow depends on your exam and symptoms.

A procedure is considered when symptoms continue despite non-surgical treatment and limit what you need to do each day. There is no single right time, and Dr. Yaffe will walk through your options with you. This page is for education and does not replace an examination, so an in-person evaluation is the way to confirm your diagnosis and the best plan for you.

About your surgeon. Dr. Mark A. Yaffe is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in orthopaedic surgery, with a subspecialty certification in hand surgery, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He earned his M.D. at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, completed his orthopaedic residency at Northwestern, and trained in hand and upper extremity surgery at The Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. He was named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in 2026 and a Chicago Magazine Top Doctor in 2025. Read Dr. Yaffe's full bio.(opens in a new tab)