• The tendons are a group of toughened tissues that connect the muscles to the skeletal system. Elbow tendonitis can go by many terms, including golfer's elbow or tennis elbow. All these terms refer to an injury of the elbow that can be caused by playing tennis or golf as well as by other activities, such as knitting, typing or painting. For most individuals, elbow tendonitis occurs after the age of 40.
  
  

Appearance of Symptoms

• Elbow tendonitis usually affects the dominant arm, meaning that a left-handed person would experience the symptoms in his left arm. The symptoms can appear gradually over time or they may appear suddenly, particularly after an injury.
  
  

Pain

• One of the most common and obvious symptoms of elbow tendonitis is pain, which can be mild to severe. It can occur following activity or exercise or when you're attempting to grab an object, such as a doorknob.
  
  

Burning Sensation

• Accompanying the pain may be a burning sensation that can be felt following activity or exercise. Some individuals also note that the affected area is warm to the touch.
  
  

Stiffness

• Elbow tendonitis can cause stiffness when movement is attempted, particularly against resistance. In cases of extremely damaged tendons, the stiffness may be felt with regular movement, even if no resistance is present.
  
  

Inflammation

• Some patients affected by tendonitis may experience swelling or inflammation to the affected elbow and surrounding areas.
  
  

Tenderness

• Another common symptom of elbow tendonitis is tenderness on the elbow or to surrounding areas. Tenderness may be noted during movement or by touch.
  
  

Weakness

• Some individuals with elbow tendonitis may experience weakness in the affected arm. Weakness may come and go and often is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or stiffness.