If your elbow hurts whenever you:

• Lift a bag
• Pick up a cup
• Grip a racket
• Carry groceries
• Turn a doorknob
• Use a screwdriver
• Shake someone’s hand
• Lift weights

the problem may involve one of the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the elbow.

Two particularly common possibilities are:

• Tennis elbow — pain mainly on the outside of the elbow
• Golfer’s elbow — pain mainly on the inside of the elbow

Despite their names, you do not need to play tennis or golf to develop either condition.

Repetitive gripping, lifting, twisting and wrist movements can irritate these tendons. Mayo Clinic notes that tennis elbow commonly causes pain and weakness during gripping, while golfer’s elbow often becomes painful with gripping and lifting.

Where Exactly Does Your Elbow Hurt?

The location provides one of the most useful clues.

Pain on the Outside of the Elbow

This is more typical of tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis or lateral epicondylopathy.

Pain can spread from the outside of the elbow into the:

• Forearm
• Wrist

It may become worse when:

• Gripping
• Lifting
• Turning a doorknob
• Holding a cup
• Using tools

Mayo Clinic describes tennis elbow as an overuse-related tendon problem affecting the outside of the elbow, commonly making gripping and lifting difficult.

Pain on the Inside of the Elbow

This is more typical of golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis.

Symptoms may include:

• Inner elbow pain
• Pain extending down the forearm
• Pain when gripping
• Pain lifting objects
• Pain twisting the wrist
• Grip weakness

Golfer’s elbow results from irritation where the forearm tendons attach to the inside of the elbow.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow involves the group of forearm tendons attached to the outside of the elbow.

It is commonly linked to repeated use of the wrist and forearm.

Activities associated with symptoms can include:

• Racquet sports
• Weight training
• Carpentry
• Plumbing
• Painting
• Cooking
• Repeated computer mouse use

Most people with tennis elbow do not develop it from tennis itself.

Mayo Clinic notes that repeated wrist and arm movements can contribute to degeneration of tendon fibres near the outer elbow.

What Does Tennis Elbow Feel Like?

Typical symptoms include:

• Outer elbow pain
• Forearm pain
• Tenderness
• Weak grip
• Pain lifting objects
• Pain when twisting

The NHS notes that tennis elbow commonly becomes worse when lifting, gripping or moving the wrist.

What Is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow affects the tendons attaching to the inside of the elbow.

Repeated forceful:

• Gripping
• Wrist bending
• Twisting
• Lifting

can overload these tendons.

Mayo Clinic notes that golfer’s elbow is not limited to golfers and may occur in people involved in racquet sports, weight training, construction, plumbing and other repetitive activities.

What Does Golfer’s Elbow Feel Like?

Symptoms can include:

• Inner elbow pain
• Tenderness
• Pain extending into the forearm
• Weak grip
• Pain making a fist
• Pain lifting
• Pain twisting the wrist

The symptoms can gradually become severe enough to affect simple activities such as carrying groceries or turning door handles.

Why Does My Elbow Hurt Even When Lifting Something Light?

An irritated tendon does not necessarily require a heavy load to become painful.

Even lifting:

• A coffee cup
• Phone
• Shopping bag
• Small pan

requires the wrist and forearm muscles to stabilise the hand.

If the tendon attachment is sensitive, relatively light tasks can cause pain.

Mayo Clinic specifically notes that tennis elbow can make holding something as light as a coffee cup painful.

Why Does Gripping Make Elbow Pain Worse?

Gripping activates many of the forearm muscles.

These muscles attach through tendons around the elbow.

If one of these tendon attachments has become irritated, gripping can increase tension through the painful region.

This is why activities such as:

• Handshakes
• Opening jars
• Holding weights
• Carrying bags

can trigger symptoms.

Why Does Twisting Hurt?

Twisting motions often combine:

• Forearm rotation
• Wrist movement
• Gripping

This places additional load on the elbow tendons.

Activities such as:

• Using a screwdriver
• Opening a jar
• Turning a key
• Turning a doorknob

may therefore provoke pain.

Does Elbow Pain Mean the Tendon Is Torn?

Not necessarily.

Most gradual-onset tennis or golfer’s elbow involves tendon overload or degeneration rather than a sudden complete tear.

A more significant tear becomes more important to consider when symptoms start suddenly after:

• Heavy lifting
• Sudden force
• Sports injury
• A fall

especially if there is immediate weakness or bruising.

What if I Heard a Pop?

Sudden pain associated with:

• A pop
• Snap
• Bruising
• Major weakness
• Loss of movement

deserves earlier assessment.

Mayo Clinic advises medical assessment after sudden elbow injuries, particularly when there is a cracking or snapping sound.

What if My Elbow Is Swollen?

Significant swelling is not usually a major feature of uncomplicated tennis elbow.

Swelling may suggest:

• Acute injury
• Bursitis
• Joint inflammation
• Another cause

Golfer’s elbow likewise does not commonly produce substantial swelling unless there has been an acute injury.

What if I Have Tingling in My Fingers?

Tingling is not typical of straightforward tennis elbow.

With inner elbow pain, irritation of the ulnar nerve may sometimes coexist.

This may cause tingling or numbness affecting especially:

• Ring finger
• Little finger

Mayo Clinic notes that the ulnar nerve passes close to the structures involved in golfer’s elbow and can sometimes become irritated.

Persistent tingling or numbness deserves assessment because the problem may involve a nerve rather than just a tendon.

Could My Elbow Pain Come From My Neck?

Yes.

Mayo Clinic includes cervical disc problems among possible causes of pain experienced around the elbow.

The neck becomes more important to consider if elbow pain is associated with:

• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Arm tingling
• Numbness
• Weakness

In that situation, simply treating the elbow may not address the actual source.

Should I Stop Using My Arm?

Usually not completely.

Temporarily reducing activities that clearly provoke symptoms can be helpful.

For example:

• Reduce repetitive gripping
• Reduce heavy lifting
• Modify gym exercises
• Take breaks from repetitive tools

The NHS recommends reducing activities that worsen tennis-elbow symptoms.

However, permanent avoidance is usually not the goal.

The tendon ultimately needs to regain the strength to tolerate normal activity.

Can Physiotherapy Help?

Yes.

Physiotherapy may include:

• Forearm strengthening
• Progressive tendon loading
• Grip rehabilitation
• Movement modification
• Return-to-sport or work planning

The loading usually needs to be progressed gradually.

Mayo Clinic notes that physical therapy is commonly used as part of tennis-elbow treatment.

Should I Stretch the Elbow?

Gentle stretching may be included in treatment, but stretching alone is unlikely to restore tendon capacity.

Persistent tendon problems often require some form of progressive strengthening.

If stretching causes substantial worsening, the programme may need to be adjusted.

What if Physiotherapy Is Not Helping?

Persistent symptoms may justify reassessment.

Questions include:

• Is this actually tennis or golfer’s elbow?
• Is the loading programme appropriate?
• Is there a significant tendon tear?
• Could a nerve be involved?
• Could the symptoms be coming from the neck?
• Would imaging change treatment?

The answer is not always to continue repeating the same exercises indefinitely.

Is Shockwave Therapy Used for Tennis Elbow?

Shockwave therapy is sometimes used for selected persistent tendon problems.

It may be considered when symptoms have become chronic and simpler conservative treatment has not produced enough improvement.

Whether it is suitable depends on:

• The diagnosis
• Duration
• Severity
• Previous treatment

It should not replace proper assessment where significant weakness, nerve symptoms or acute injury are present.

Should I Get an X-Ray?

An X-ray may be useful when a doctor wants to assess:

• Bone injury
• Arthritis
• Calcification
• Other joint abnormalities

However, X-rays do not provide detailed images of the tendons themselves.

Is Ultrasound Useful for Elbow Pain?

Yes.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound can provide detailed real-time images of:

• Tendons
• Muscles
• Ligaments
• Nerves
• Joints

It can help assess tendon abnormalities and tears without using ionising radiation.

Ultrasound can be especially useful when the main clinical question involves:

• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Tendon tear
• Superficial nerve irritation

When Is MRI Useful?

MRI gives a more comprehensive view of the elbow and surrounding structures.

Musculoskeletal MRI is used to assess:

• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Muscles
• Bone
• Joints
• Sports and repetitive-strain injuries

MRI does not use ionising radiation.

MRI may become useful when:

• Symptoms persist despite treatment
• A significant tendon injury is suspected
• Weakness is unexplained
• The diagnosis remains uncertain
• There are multiple possible causes
• Surgery or another procedure is being considered

Ultrasound vs MRI for Elbow Pain

Both can be useful.

Ultrasound May Be Particularly Useful For:

• Superficial tendons
• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Dynamic assessment
• Selected nerve problems

MRI May Be Particularly Useful For:

• Deeper structural assessment
• Significant tendon tears
• Ligament injury
• Bone or joint abnormalities
• Multiple possible causes
• Persistent unexplained symptoms

The correct scan depends on what the doctor is trying to find.

Does Elbow MRI Use Radiation?

No.

MRI uses a magnetic field and radiofrequency energy rather than X-rays.

Ultrasound also does not use ionising radiation.

Does Everyone With Tennis Elbow Need a Scan?

No.

Typical tennis or golfer’s elbow can often be diagnosed from:

• Symptoms
• Pain location
• Physical examination

Imaging becomes more useful when the problem:

• Is not improving
• Is atypical
• Followed a significant injury
• Involves neurological symptoms
• Produces substantial weakness

How Long Can Tennis Elbow Last?

Tendon problems can take time to settle.

The NHS notes that tennis elbow can sometimes persist for more than a year.

This does not mean nothing can be done.

It does mean recovery may require:

• Activity modification
• Progressive strengthening
• Patience
• Reassessment if progress stalls

Does Tennis Elbow Need Surgery?

Usually not.

Most patients are initially treated non-surgically.

Mayo Clinic notes that rest, medication and physical therapy commonly help, with procedures or surgery generally reserved for persistent symptoms affecting daily activities.

Does Golfer’s Elbow Need Surgery?

Usually not.

Mayo Clinic notes that golfer’s elbow typically improves with rest, appropriate treatment and modification of aggravating activities.

When Should I See a Doctor?

Arrange an assessment if:

• Pain persists despite several weeks of self-care
• Grip strength is getting worse
• You cannot lift everyday objects comfortably
• Physiotherapy has not helped
• There is persistent tingling or numbness
• Symptoms followed an acute injury

Mayo Clinic recommends assessment when elbow pain does not improve with measures such as rest and simple symptom management.

When Is Elbow Pain Urgent?

Seek prompt medical attention if:

• The elbow looks deformed
• You cannot bend or move it after an injury
• You suspect a fracture
• There is major swelling after trauma
• The elbow becomes hot and swollen with fever

Mayo Clinic specifically advises urgent care for deformity, suspected fracture and a hot swollen elbow with fever.

How Much Does an Elbow MRI Cost in Singapore?

For many patients arranging an elbow MRI through The Pain Relief Clinic, the current price is approximately:

S$1,000

This generally includes:

• MRI examination
• MRI images
• Formal radiologist’s report

Eligible outpatient diagnostic scans may qualify for up to:

S$600 per patient per year from MediSave

subject to prevailing requirements and the patient’s remaining annual limit.

Singapore’s Ministry of Health confirms that eligible outpatient diagnostic scans currently have a MediSave withdrawal limit of up to S$600 per patient per year.

How Quickly Can I Get an Elbow MRI?

When MRI is medically appropriate, The Pain Relief Clinic can often arrange elbow imaging:

Within one working day

subject to:

• MRI safety screening
• Appropriate imaging protocol
• Appointment availability

Frequently Asked Questions About Elbow Pain When Lifting or Gripping

Why does the outside of my elbow hurt when I grip something?

Pain on the outer elbow during gripping is a common pattern of tennis elbow.

Why does the inside of my elbow hurt when lifting?

Inner elbow pain during gripping or lifting can be consistent with golfer’s elbow.

Do you have to play tennis to get tennis elbow?

No. Tennis elbow commonly occurs in people performing repetitive wrist and forearm activities at work, during hobbies or in sport.

Can golfer’s elbow cause numbness?

Numbness is not usually caused directly by the tendon problem, but the nearby ulnar nerve may also become irritated and produce tingling into the ring or little finger.

Is ultrasound useful?

Yes. Musculoskeletal ultrasound can assess superficial tendons and nerves and does not use ionising radiation.

Do I need an MRI?

Not automatically. MRI is more useful when symptoms persist, a significant tendon injury is suspected or the diagnosis remains uncertain.

Does MRI use radiation?

No. MRI does not use ionising radiation.

How much does an elbow MRI cost?

An elbow MRI arranged through The Pain Relief Clinic is currently approximately S$1,000, including the images and formal radiologist’s report.

Elbow Pain Every Time You Lift or Grip Something?

If elbow pain is making it difficult to hold a cup, carry groceries, work, exercise or play sport, it may be useful to determine whether the problem involves:

• The outer elbow tendons
• The inner elbow tendons
• A nerve
• The joint
• The cervical spine
• Another structure

At The Pain Relief Clinic, we can assess:

• The exact location of the elbow pain
• Grip strength
• Which movements reproduce symptoms
• Whether nerve symptoms are present
• Whether ultrasound, X-ray, MRI or no imaging is most appropriate
• Whether physiotherapy, shockwave therapy or another non-surgical treatment may be suitable

When MRI is medically indicated, elbow imaging can often be arranged within one working day.

Elbow pain assessment through The Pain Relief Clinic

• Medical assessment by a licensed medical doctor
• In-house physiotherapy
• Assessment of tendon and nerve-related causes
• Shockwave therapy where clinically appropriate
• Fast access to imaging where appropriate
• Elbow MRI often available within one working day
• Approximately S$1,000 for many elbow MRI examinations
• Up to S$600 MediSave for eligible outpatient diagnostic scans
• Formal radiologist’s report
• Non-surgical treatment options where appropriate

Arrange an Elbow Pain Assessment

The Pain Relief Clinic

Call / WhatsApp: +65 9068 9605

If elbow pain repeatedly occurs whenever you lift, grip or twist — particularly if it has persisted despite rest or physiotherapy — contact us for an assessment of whether the diagnosis or treatment plan should be reconsidered.

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References

1. Mayo Clinic — Tennis Elbow: Symptoms and Causes.
2. Mayo Clinic Orthopedics & Sports Medicine — Golfer’s Elbow.
3. Mayo Clinic — Golfer’s Elbow: Symptoms and Causes.
4. NHS — Tennis Elbow.
5. RadiologyInfo.org — Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, reviewed 19 March 2025.
6. RadiologyInfo.org — Musculoskeletal MRI, reviewed 15 June 2026.
7. Singapore Ministry of Health — Outpatient Care, updated 1 June 2026.
8. Singapore Ministry of Health — Adequacy of S$600 Annual MediSave Withdrawal Limit for Outpatient CT and MRI Scans, 6 August 2026.

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Important Medical Information

This article provides general educational information and does not replace an individual medical consultation.

Elbow pain with lifting or gripping can arise from tendons, joints, nerves, muscles, the cervical spine or other causes. Pain location and activity pattern provide useful clues but cannot establish a diagnosis by themselves.

Imaging is not required for every case of elbow pain. The appropriate investigation depends on symptoms, examination findings, trauma history, neurological symptoms, duration, response to treatment and whether imaging would change management.

Seek prompt medical attention for significant trauma, visible elbow deformity, inability to move the elbow after an injury, suspected fracture, or a hot swollen elbow associated with fever.

Reviewed by Dr Terence Tan, Founder of The Pain Relief Clinic — 18 September 2026