Understanding Elbow Tendonitis: Tennis Elbow, Pickleball Injuries, and Golfer's Elbow

As pickleball continues to rise in popularity and tennis remains a favorite pastime, more and more patients are experiencing elbow pain due to overuse injuries. One of the most common culprits? Elbow tendonitis—a condition that can sideline athletes, weekend warriors, and active individuals alike.

At Garden State Pain & Orthopedics, with locations in Clifton, Edison, Jersey City, West Orange, and Hazlet, New Jersey, our specialists are seeing a growing number of patients suffering from tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and what many now refer to as “pickleball elbow.” If you’re feeling nagging pain around your elbow that worsens with activity, you’re not alone—and we’re here to help.

What Is Elbow Tendonitis?

Elbow tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of the tendons that attach to the elbow joint. It often develops from repetitive motions, especially those involving gripping, swinging, or throwing. It can occur in both athletes and non-athletes alike.

The two most common types of elbow tendonitis include:

• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) – This affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow and is caused by repetitive extension and gripping motions.

• Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) – This affects the inside of the elbow and results from repeated flexing and wrist rotation.

With the rise of pickleball, many patients are experiencing tennis-elbow-like symptoms due to the unique paddle grip and swing mechanics. These injuries are now often referred to as pickleball elbow, especially in active adults over 40 who are new to the sport.

Common Symptoms of Elbow Tendonitis

• Pain or burning sensation on the outside (or inside) of the elbow

• Weak grip strength

• Pain that worsens with activity or certain movements

• Tenderness around the bony part of the elbow

• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after playing sports

Treating Elbow Tendonitis at Garden State Pain & Orthopedics

Whether you’re a competitive tennis player, a weekend pickleball enthusiast, or someone who uses repetitive arm movements for work, we understand how debilitating elbow pain can be. At Garden State Pain & Orthopedics, our team of sports medicine and pain management specialists offers a range of non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments to relieve pain and restore function.

Our Treatment Options Include:

• Rest and Activity Modification – The first step is often avoiding the activities that trigger pain and using ergonomic equipment.

• Physical Therapy – Targeted exercises to stretch and strengthen the forearm muscles.

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – Medications to reduce pain and inflammation.

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections – A cutting-edge regenerative treatment that uses your body’s own healing cells to repair damaged tissue.

• Corticosteroid Injections – These can provide quick, short-term relief in more severe cases.

• Bracing and Supports – Forearm straps and elbow braces can reduce strain on the affected tendons.

• Ultrasound-Guided Injections – For precise targeting of inflammation and pain.

• Minimally Invasive Procedures – If conservative treatments fail, we may recommend percutaneous tenotomy or other advanced techniques to break up scar tissue and promote healing.

When to See a Doctor

If elbow pain persists for more than a few weeks, worsens with use, or interferes with your daily activities or favorite sport, it’s time to see a specialist. Early intervention can prevent the condition from becoming chronic and difficult to treat.

Get Back in the Game – Pain-Free

At Garden State Pain & Orthopedics, we believe in personalized, patient-centered care. Our team will work with you to develop a tailored treatment plan designed to relieve pain, restore strength, and get you back to doing what you love—whether that’s swinging a racket, serving up aces, or enjoying a casual pickleball match with friends.

Schedule an appointment today at one of our convenient locations in Clifton, Edison, Jersey City, West Orange, or Hazlet, NJ, and let our experts help you recover from elbow injuries with confidence.