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The condition most often occurs because of overuse. This can be from any activity that repeatedly puts stress on the forearm extensor muscles or tendons and wrist. For instance, playing tennis, lifting weights, cutting meat, painting, and typing can all cause the condition. Wear and tear of the tendons from aging or an injury to the tendons can also cause the condition.

The most common symptom is pain. You may feel it on the outer side of the elbow and down the back of the forearm. It may be worse when moving or using the elbow, forearm, or wrist. You may also feel pain when gripping or lifting things.

Treatments may include:

• Resting the elbow, forearm, and wrist. You’ll need to avoid movements that can make your symptoms worse. You also may need to avoid certain sports and types of work for a time. This helps relieve symptoms and prevent further damage to the tendons.

• Changing the action that caused the problem. For instance, if the tendons were damaged from playing tennis, it may help to change your playing technique or use different equipment. This helps prevent further damage to the tendons.

• Using cold packs. Putting an ice pack on the injured area can help reduce pain and swelling.

• Taking pain medicines. Taking prescription or over-the-counter pain medicines may help reduce pain and swelling.  

• Wearing a brace. This helps reduce strain on the muscles and tendons in the forearm, which may relieve symptoms. It's very important to wear the brace properly.

• Doing exercises and physical therapy. These help improve strength and range of motion in the elbow, forearm, and wrist.

• Getting shots of medicine into the injured area. These may help relieve symptoms for a time.

• Having surgery. This may be an option if other treatments fail to relieve symptoms. In many cases, the surgeon removes the damaged tissue.

If the tendons involved don’t heal properly, symptoms may return or get worse. To help prevent this, follow your treatment plan as directed.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider

• Chills

• Redness, swelling, or warmth in the elbow or forearm that gets worse

• Symptoms that don’t get better with treatment, or get worse

• New symptoms