Tennis Elbow vs. Regular Elbow Pain: How We Tell the Difference

No matter your work, hobbies, or lifestyle, elbow pain can make even simple movements feel impossible. But if you’re not sure what’s causing your discomfort, you’re not alone. Tennis elbow is a common cause of elbow pain, but it’s not the only one, so finding effective treatment starts with the right diagnosis.

At Full Orthopedics Urgent Care, in North Miami Beach, Florida, our experienced team treats shoulder and elbow problems every day. We know how to distinguish between tennis elbow and other types of elbow pain that require a different approach. 

Here’s how we break it down and get you started on the right path to healing.

The basics of tennis elbow

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, happens when the tendon that attaches your forearm extensor muscles to the outer part (lateral epicondyle) of your elbow gets irritated or damaged. Repetitive motions like wrist extension, gripping, or lifting can trigger micro-tears and degeneration in the tendon at that site — and it’s not always due to playing tennis. 

Common symptoms of tennis elbow include:

• Pain or a burning sensation on the outside of your elbow (not the inner side)
• Elbow pain when gripping objects, lifting a cup, or turning a doorknob
• Weakness in your forearm or wrist
• Pain that radiates down your forearm

Because it’s often caused by repetitive strain rather than sudden trauma, tennis elbow develops gradually. It can be easy to miss at first, but it tends to worsen if the triggering activities continue unchecked.

How tennis elbow differs from regular elbow pain

“Regular” elbow pain can stem from a wide variety of issues, including arthritis or direct injury. Persistent or generalized elbow pain may point to a chronic condition like arthritis, and significant swelling or reduced range of motion are common signs of an acute injury.

How we diagnose tennis elbow and other types of elbow pain

When you come to Full Orthopedics Urgent Care for elbow pain, we evaluate the location of your pain, the type of activities that worsen it, and any patterns in your symptoms. We also ask about other symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, swelling, and reduced range of motion, because these may suggest something beyond typical tennis elbow.

We perform a physical exam, which may include a Cozen’s test or Mill’s test, both of which reproduce pain at the lateral epicondyle when your wrist is extended or your forearm pronated. We can diagnose many cases based on an exam alone, but we also use X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI as needed to rule out other causes such as arthritis, nerve impingement, or structural damage. 

Once we know whether it’s tennis elbow or another condition, we develop a tailored treatment plan so you don’t end up doing the wrong exercises and delaying your recovery.

Why getting the right diagnosis for your elbow pain matters

Treating elbow pain without first identifying the exact problem can lead to slower recovery, ongoing discomfort, and compensatory injuries (like shoulder or wrist strain). If it truly is tennis elbow, you’ll need to stop or modify the aggravating movements, use targeted strengthening, and allow your tendon time to heal properly.

On the other hand, if your pain comes from a nerve, joint, or cartilage issue, your treatment will differ significantly. Early diagnosis gives you the best chance to recover without surgery or prolonged downtime.

If you're dealing with elbow pain, don’t wait it out. Visit our shoulder and elbow specialists at Full Orthopedics Urgent Care for a professional evaluation, and let us determine whether it’s tennis elbow, another elbow condition, or a combination needing focused care. 

The sooner you get on the right treatment plan, the sooner you’ll get back to your daily life with less discomfort. Walk into our clinic or call our office today to schedule an appointment.