Tennis Elbow Treatment

Tennis Elbow Treatment Explained: What Works and What Doesn’t

Introduction

Millions of people around the globe are affected by tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis—yet it is still largely an enigma. You don't have to be a tennis player to get it. Actually, most individuals who end up with tennis elbow have never even been on a court. It is brought on by repetitive movement, especially gripping, lifting, or extending the wrist—something that occurs frequently in many homes, workplaces, and pastimes.

This in-depth guide delves into what tennis elbow is, why it occurs, and—most relevantly—what treatments are actually effective and what ones are a waste of time. Whether you're facing a brand-new injury or a nagging pain that simply refuses to subside, this article aims to assist you in making rational, educated decisions regarding your recuperation. 

1. What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is the informal name for lateral epicondylitis, an inflammation or degeneration of the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the lateral part of the elbow (the lateral epicondyle). These muscles and tendons extend the wrist and fingers.

What is going on inside the elbow?

Small tears in the tendon result from overuse, particularly with repetitive motion of the wrist and arm. With time, it results in pain, weakness, and occasional swelling on the outside of the elbow.

2. Causes and Risk Factors

Causes:

-Repetitive extension of the wrist or gripping

-Overuse of the forearm muscles

-Poor sports technique, typing, lifting

-Unusual or sudden increase in activity level

Common Triggers:

-Painting

-Carpentry or mechanical work

-Cooking or chopping vegetables

Weightlifting:

-Extensive use of a computer for long periods

Risk Factors:

-Age 30–50 (most common)

-Occupations involving repetitive arm motion

-Poor posture or ergonomics

-Poor back or shoulder muscle strength

-Smoking or poor circulation (which delays healing)

3. Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms:

-Pain on the outside of the elbow

-Poor grip strength

-Tenderness on palpation of the elbow

-Worsening pain with lifting, gripping, or twisting the forearm

-Morning stiffness

Diagnosis:

Physical exam: A doctor will assess tenderness, grip strength, and range of motion.

Imaging (if necessary): X-rays or MRI can be used to eliminate arthritis, fracture, or nerve entrapment.

image credit: FREEPIK

4. Traditional Tennis Elbow Treatments (What Works)

1. Rest and Activity Modification

Rest initially is essential to minimize tendon strain. Avoid painful movements but remain gently active. Complete immobility can prolong healing.

Tips:

-Alternate arms for repetitive tasks

-Use equipment with improved grips

-Avoid sudden heavy lifting

2. Ice Therapy

Using ice for 15–20 minutes at a time, repeated 2–3 times a day, decreases inflammation and pain, particularly in the initial weeks.

How to do it:

-Use a cloth-wrapped cold pack

-Do after activities that worsen symptoms

3. Pain Relievers (NSAIDs)

Drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen decrease pain and inflammation.

Choices:

-Oral NSAIDs

-Topical NSAID creams (such as diclofenac)

Keep in mind: These aren't fixing the underlying tendon problem—they simply are symptom-relieving.

4. Physical Therapy (PT)

PT is a foundation of successful tennis elbow management.

Advantages of PT:

-Strengthens tendon healing

-Reeducates movement patterns

-Develops muscle strength and flexibility

Common Exercises:

-Eccentric wrist extensions

-Forearm stretching

-Grip strengthening

-Shoulder and upper back stabilization

5. Bracing

Braces provide support to the tendon and decrease strain with activities of daily living.

Types:

Counterforce brace: Worn below the elbow to reduce pressure

Wrist splint: Decreases wrist motion and permits the tendon to rest

Bracing is ideal for temporary symptom control, not for prolonged use.

5. Alternative and Advanced Treatments

For long or resistant cases, other options will be tried.

1. Corticosteroid Injections

Steroids can give rapid relief from pain but aren't consistently successful in the long term.

Advantages:

-Rapid relief from symptoms

Disadvantages:

-Temporary outcome

-Repeated injections may make tendons weaken

-Not the best for chronic cases

Best for: Acute flare-ups where pain is holding progress back

2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

-PRP involves using your own blood components to trigger healing.

How it works:

-Platelets are removed and injected into the tendon

-Growth factors trigger growth

Evidence:

-Some research indicates better long-term results than steroids, but results are variable.

Downsides:

-Expensive

-Not always insured

3. Shockwave Therapy

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) employs sound waves to facilitate healing in injured tissue.

Advantages:

-Non-surgical

-Beneficial in chronic, refractory cases

Disadvantages:

-May need to be repeated multiple times

-Moderate pain during treatment

4. Acupuncture

Used to alleviate pain and muscle spasms.

Evidence:

Limited but hopeful. Best as an adjunct therapy.

6. Home Remedies: What Might Work

Home care can work very well—particularly for mild or early stages.

1. Daily Exercises

Gentle, regular movement is essential.

Try:

-Wrist flexor/extensor stretches

-Eccentric loading exercises

-Rubber band finger extensions

-Towel twists to build grip strength

-Do these slowly and without pain. Daily repetition, or as instructed by a PT.

2. Ergonomic Changes

Correcting your posture and movement patterns minimizes strain.

Suggestions:

-Adjust desk height

-Use ergonomic keyboard and mouse

-Use two hands to lift heavy objects

-Minimize repetitive gripping

3. Natural Remedies

Some natural products are able to supplement medical treatment.

Examples:

Capsaicin cream: Prevents pain signals

Arnica gel: Anti-inflammatory

Turmeric/curcumin: Natural anti-inflammatory (as supplements)

Always discuss using supplements with a health care provider.

7. What Doesn't Work (or Has Limited Evidence)

Let's put to rest treatments that are overhyped, outdated, or just not effective for most people.

1. Surgery (for most cases)

-Surgery is not typically needed—only resorted to when:

-Symptoms persist for more than 12 months

-Non-surgical treatments have not worked

-Daily function is seriously affected

Surgical alternatives:

-Tendon debridement (removal of injured tissue)

-Tendon repair

Even so, recovery is 3–6 months and has risks such as infection or nerve damage.

2. Prolonged Immobilization

Wearing a brace or sling for too long can cause:

-Muscle atrophy

-Stiffness

-Slower healing

-Keep the arm moving within pain limits.

3. Unsupported Supplements

Supplements such as glucosamine or collagen are commonly available but have poor evidence for tendon repair in tennis elbow.

4. Over-Reliance on Injections

Multiple steroid injections can make things worse by weakening the tendons or hindering proper rehab.

8. Preventing Recurrence

Maintaining strength, flexibility, and good habits once healed means staying pain-free.

Tips to Prevent Tennis Elbow:

-Keep up with routine stretching and strengthening exercises

-Do not overload the forearm without a warm-up

-Practice good form in sports and lifting

-Take regular breaks from repetitive work

-Invest in ergonomically designed tools and workstations

9. When to See a Specialist

See a doctor or physical therapist if:

-Pain persists longer than 6–8 weeks

-You have numbness, tingling, or weakness

-There's significant swelling or loss of motion

-Home remedies aren't alleviating your situation

Experts like orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, or physiotherapists can provide advanced care.

Conclusion: Tennis Elbow Treatment

Tennis elbow can be painful, annoying, and even disabling—without the proper course of action, however, it's highly treatable.

In a nutshell:

-The majority of individuals recover without surgery

-Physical therapy, activity modification, and diligent rehab are the best practices

-Treatments such as PRP or shockwave therapy can be effective in difficult situations

-Don't overdepend on quick fixes such as steroids or braces

-Don't neglect pain—early treatment ensures better outcomes

Finally, the ideal treatment is one that is best suited to your unique lifestyle, symptoms, and objectives. Be patient, remain proactive, and work with reliable healthcare providers