Personal stories about tennis elbow treatment decisions

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Joe, age 42: I have seen a few of my tennis buddies go for months with elbow pain. They try to play through it, and it just doesn't seem to go away. I just started feeling this kind of pain, and I'm going to try to nip it in the bud by taking a complete break from tennis for a couple of months.

Lara, age 57: I can't stand it any longer. Last year, I raked leaves for hours and developed a nice case of tennis elbow. Even though I've spent the entire past 11 months avoiding things that make my arm hurt and have been doing exercises, it still hurts when I try to do simple things like sweep the floor. I'm going to talk to the surgeon my doctor has recommended.

Sophia, age 39: I use scissors all day at work, and it has become so painful to cut anything now! I can't leave my job, so my boss and I have worked things out so I can work the cash register and stock instead. I still have to be careful, but the strap my doctor told me to wear below my elbow is helping a lot.

Ramon, age 46: I've had tennis elbow pain for years. It comes and goes, and lately has been more constant. My doctor says that I'm a good candidate for surgery, but I need to see more solid evidence that surgery will work. I'm going to see a physical therapist and look into some other possibilities like acupuncture.