ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Epicondylitis Pain

What is epicondylitis pain?

23 January 2026

This refers to a painful manifestation caused by a tendon overload condition in the elbow due to various causes, although the most common are activities that involve repetitive movements of the arm and wrist over long periods.

Commonly known as tennis elbow, epicondylitis tends to be more frequent in athletes who overuse their arms. However, this condition can affect others as well, as people in various professions who perform constant and repetitive movements can develop it, such as:

  • Masons/Bricklayers.
  • Plumbers.
  • Carpenters.
  • Factory workers.
  • Painters.
  • Office workers (due to the use of a mouse and computer keyboard).

Signs and symptoms Epicondylitis Pain

Painful manifestation whose characteristics are:

  • Localized and continuous pain in a specific area of the elbow.
  • Intensity increases with movement.
  • Pain that radiates from the elbow, reaching the wrist and forearm.
  • Inflammation.
  • Weakness in the arm and hand, making actions difficult, such as:
  • Squeezing the hand.
  • Grasping objects.
  • Opening a door.
  • Holding glasses or cups.

Diagnosis and treatment Epicondylitis Pain

Once the doctor analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination in which they will apply pressure to the injured area, as well as ask you to adopt various postures and perform certain movements to observe your painful reactions and dynamic limitations.

They may also request studies such as:

  • Electromyography (EMG).
  • X-ray.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
  • Computed Tomography (CT) scan.

The treatment to follow will depend on the intensity of the symptoms and the extent of the injury, but it generally includes:

  • Analgesics (Pain relievers).
  • Anti-inflammatories.
  • Cryotherapy (Cold therapy).
  • Physical therapy.
  • Surgery.

At the Center for Orthopedics and Traumatology, we seek to improve the lives of patients restricted or immobilized by musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. We specialize in the care of the locomotor system by integrating the latest medical, biological, and technological advances, in strict adherence to the highest international standards of patient care.

Related centers and departments Epicondylitis Pain

Orthopedics and Traumatology Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Sources:

  • cun.es
  • topdoctors.es
  • elsevier.es
  • middlesexhealth.org
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Ortega J, Apóstol-González S, Pizzolla P. Tratamiento artroscópico de la epicondilitis lateral crónica. Resultados a corto plazo de tres casos. Acta Ortop Mex. 2019 Ene-Feb;33(1):24-27.
  • Coronados VY, Duany FY, Lorenzo GE, et al. Utilidad de las ondas de choque para la disminución del dolor en la epicondilitis. Rev Cub de Med Fis y Rehab. 2017;9(2):1-13.
  • Frómeta HH, Torres GLM, Jach RM, et al. Aplicación de la farmacopuntura y la laserterapia en el tratamiento de la epicondilitis. Revista de Ciencias Médicas de la Habana. 2020;27(1):46-56.
  • Piloto TKM, Blanco GS, Soler QBT, et al. Lisado plaquetario autólogo en el tratamiento de la epicondilitis. Rev Cubana Hematol Inmunol Hemoter. 2016;32(2):282-284.

How can we help you?

    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.