What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow - clinically known as lateral epicondylitis or, more accurately, lateral epicondylalgia - is pain on the outside of the elbow caused by degeneration and overload of the tendons that attach the forearm extensor muscles to the lateral epicondyle (the bony prominence on the outer elbow).
Despite the name, only about 5% of people with tennis elbow actually play tennis. The condition is common in anyone who performs repetitive gripping, wrist extension, or lifting movements: painters, carpenters, keyboard users, padel and squash players, golfers (on the trailing arm), and manual workers. The common thread is repetitive, moderate-intensity loading of the forearm extensors over an extended period.
Tennis elbow is a tendinopathy - a condition of the tendon itself, involving changes to the tendon structure at a cellular level rather than simple inflammation. This matters for treatment, because anti-inflammatory approaches alone (ice, NSAIDs) are not sufficient. The tendon needs to be progressively reloaded through exercise to remodel properly.
Understanding tennis elbow
Causes and contributing factors
- Repetitive wrist extension against resistance - the primary mechanism in racket sports, manual work, and keyboard use
- A sudden increase in activity volume, such as playing more padel or tennis than the tendon is conditioned for
- Poor technique in racket sports causing excessive forearm extensor load on ball contact
- Gripping tools or equipment that are too large or too small for the hand
- Weakness higher up the kinetic chain - hip, core, and upper back - transferring excessive load down to the elbow during striking movements
Symptoms to recognise
- Pain on the outside of the elbow, typically a few centimetres below and in front of the lateral epicondyle
- Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting, or wrist extension - particularly with the elbow extended
- A weak grip - difficulty holding a racket, mug, or tool without pain
- Morning stiffness that eases with movement, and pain that typically returns with activity
- Tenderness when pressing directly over the common extensor tendon attachment point
How Bearhug helps
The Bearhug elbow support provides graduated compression to the common extensor tendon and the forearm extensor muscle group. This compression reduces the oscillation and load on the tendon during repetitive movements, provides warmth that relaxes the surrounding musculature, and improves circulation to the degenerating tendon tissue - which has a notoriously poor blood supply and heals slowly without intervention.
For racket sport players managing tennis elbow, wearing the elbow support during play allows training to continue at a reduced load while the tendon is progressively conditioned. Between sessions, compression maintains warmth and circulation and reduces the reactivity of the tendon. It is most effective when combined with a structured eccentric and isometric loading programme for the wrist extensors - which addresses the root cause rather than simply managing the symptoms.
The information on this page is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing pain or injury, please consult a qualified healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Bearhug products are Class 1 medical devices designed to support - not replace - medical treatment.