Understanding Tennis Elbow: What It Means When There Is No Swelling?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury that causes pain on the outer part of the elbow. While many associate it with visible swelling, it's entirely possible to have tennis elbow without any noticeable swelling. In this blog lets discuss more and uncover why swelling isn’t always a defining factor for tennis elbow. 

Tennis elbow occurs when repetitive stress leads to inflammation in the tendons that attach to the bony part of the outer elbow. This condition is common among people who frequently use their hands for tasks like typing, lifting, or even repetitive hobbies such as baking or painting. Pain is often felt on the outer elbow, radiating down the forearm and into the fingers. In chronic cases, the pain may also extend into the upper arm, shoulder, or neck.

Swelling is one of the classic signs of inflammation, but its absence doesn’t rule out tennis elbow. Here’s why:

Body’s Healing Response: Your body’s natural healing mechanisms may limit swelling, particularly if the condition is mild or you’ve adapted to reduce aggravating activities.

Reduced Inflammation: If you’ve been managing your symptoms with rest, ice packs, or anti-inflammatory treatments, the swelling may have already subsided, even if the underlying condition persists.

Chronic Condition: Long-standing cases of tennis elbow often involve less acute inflammation and more structural damage, such as micro-tears in the tendons. These cases may lack visible swelling but still cause significant pain.



Even without swelling, you can perform simple tests to identify tennis elbow:
Pain with Stretching: Extend your arm fully and flex your wrist downward. If this movement causes discomfort in the outer elbow or forearm, it indicates a possible tennis elbow.

Pain with Resistance: With your arm straight, make a fist and try to lift your wrist upward against resistance. Pain during this motion is another hallmark of tennis elbow.

If you suspect tennis elbow, focus on activities that reduce stress on the tendons. Take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks, incorporate gentle stretching exercises, and use hot or cold packs as needed. These are the hot and cold pack that I use and recommend. 

HERE is a free checklist on Desk ergonomics: Set Up Your Workspace for Tennis Elbow Relief’ It has tips on simple adjustments to your workspace can help relieve and even prevent Tennis Elbow symptoms.

Get the course on "Simple Solutions to Manage your Tennis Elbow" HEREIn this course you can learn effective, easy-to-implement techniques to manage and reduce tennis elbow pain so you can move more comfortably, strengthen your arm, prevent flare ups, achieve long term relief and much more. 

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MEET SWATI

 
Hi there! 
I am Swati, an Executive Mum Power Coach & Certified Posture Expert

I help mums of young kids working in high-stress executive jobs manage back, neck, and nerve pain, even with low energy, brain fog, and little time to spare. My proven system delivers real relief without stealing hours from your already packed day. The result? More productive professionals at work and guilt-free mums who can be fully present with their kids, instead of being sidelined by pain.



My passion comes from personal experience. I’ve been where you are: in pain, overwhelmed, and exhausted. After two pregnancies in three years, juggling my kids, housework, and a demanding job, I was stuck in a constant cycle of back and nerve pain. The physical load of motherhood added strain to my spine and joints. Meanwhile, adrenal fatigue left me drained, even after 10–12 hours of sleep.

Everyday tasks became a struggle. I was forgetful, foggy, and low on energy. Even as a trained physiotherapist and posture expert, I couldn’t escape my own pain. I stood all day at work, spent evenings on the laptop, rocked my kids to sleep, sat through endless meetings, traveled frequently ... I’ve been through it all.

I kept my pain hidden at work, afraid to speak up. I felt like a fraud, someone who coached others on relief strategies but couldn’t find relief herself. I loved my job and my children, but I couldn’t give 100% to either. Pain was holding me back.

One New Year, I made a resolution: to get healthy, not just fix pain, fatigue, or weight. I focused on reducing inflammation, healing my adrenal fatigue, and reclaiming my energy. Slowly but surely, the pain faded. I lost weight, my brain fog cleared, and my energy skyrocketed. Today, my pain is nearly gone. I feel stronger, clearer, and more in control than I have in years.
And now, I want that for you.

I combine professional expertise with lived experience to support other mums like me, those with young kids, high-stress jobs, and no time for complicated health programs. I’ve helped hundreds of women reduce spinal and joint pain, lift their energy, and clear the mental fog that holds them back.

If any of this resonates, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. I got you, mommy!

Let’s get you feeling strong, confident, and fully present at work and at home.
Are you ready to start? Curious about how this works? Just ask.

Let's DO THIS!
xx Swati
** Executive Mum Power Coach **

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