Elbow tendinopathy
Specialist elbow assessment
Understanding your symptoms
Your consultant will listen to how your elbow pain affects you and carry out a focused assessment to understand what may be causing it.
Options explained clearly
A plan that fits your life
You’ll understand which treatments may help and how they can work around your usual routine.
A confident return
Progress at a manageable pace
Support will focus on easing discomfort and rebuilding strength so you can return to the activities you love.
What is elbow tendinopathy?
Elbow tendinopathy affects the tendons (strong bands of tissue) that connect the muscles in your forearm to the bones around your elbow. When a tendon is repeatedly placed under more strain than it can manage, it can become painful and less able to cope with everyday movement. Tennis elbow affects the outside of the joint, while golfer’s elbow causes discomfort on the inside. Despite their names, both conditions can affect anyone.
What causes elbow tendinopathy?
Elbow tendinopathy often develops when the muscles and tendons in your forearm are used repeatedly without enough time to recover. It can also start after a sudden increase in activity, before the tendon has had enough time to adjust.
Possible triggers include:
- Repeated gripping or twisting movements
- Increasing gym training or sport too quickly
- Manual work involving tools or lifting
- Using a computer mouse for long periods
Sometimes, there isn’t one clear cause.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of elbow tendinopathy is pain or tenderness around the elbow. Tennis elbow usually causes discomfort on the outside, while golfer’s elbow tends to affect the inside.
You may also notice:
- Pain that travels into your forearm
- Discomfort when gripping, lifting or turning an object
- Less strength in your hand or wrist
- Aching at rest or during the night
Symptoms often build gradually and may begin to affect everyday movements, such as opening a jar or carrying a bag.
How is elbow tendinopathy diagnosed?
Your consultant will ask when the discomfort began, which movements make it worse and how it’s affecting your usual activities. They’ll then examine your elbow and may ask you to move your wrist or fingers to pinpoint which tendon is involved.
Examining your elbow is often enough for your consultant to make a diagnosis.
If your symptoms aren’t typical or your consultant thinks that another problem may be contributing, they may recommend an ultrasound or MRI scan. They may also suggest an X-ray to look for another cause in the bones or joints.
How is elbow tendinopathy treated?
Most people find the condition improves without an operation. Your treatment will depend on which tendon is affected, how long you’ve had symptoms and the activities you’d like to return to.
Your consultant will explain your options clearly and shape your plan around your preferences.
Treatment routes for elbow tendinopathy
Treatment usually starts by reducing strain on your elbow and helping the tendon gradually become stronger. Surgery may be discussed if these options don’t bring enough improvement.
- Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can guide you through a gradual exercise programme to rebuild strength in your forearm. They may also help you adjust your technique at work, during exercise or in sport.
- Pain relief: Simple pain relief or an anti-inflammatory gel may make your symptoms easier to manage. Your consultant, GP or pharmacist can advise you on what’s suitable. Your consultant may suggest an injection if pain makes physiotherapy difficult. They’ll explain the possible benefits and limitations, as the relief may only be short-term.
- Joint support: An elbow strap or wrist support may reduce pressure on the tendon during certain movements. Your care team can explain which option may help and how to use it.
- Shockwave therapy: Shockwave therapy may be considered if your symptoms haven’t improved with other non-surgical treatments. It uses pulses of energy directed at the painful area to support the tendon’s recovery.
Recovery goals after elbow tendinopathy surgery
Phase 1 goals:
Protect the wound and manage any discomfort Begin gentle movement of the elbow and wrist as advised Avoid lifting or putting weight on the operated arm
Phase 2 goals:
Gradually regain comfortable movement Return to light everyday tasks as your symptoms allow Begin strengthening exercises when your physiotherapist recommends them
Phase 3 goals:
Rebuild strength and confidence in your arm Gradually return to more demanding work or exercise Prepare for repeated gripping, lifting or sport when your care team feels you’re ready
Working with elbow professionals and teams
Our elbow specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their elbows. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Elbow treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
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