Osteoarthritis Health Center

Tennis Elbow

How Is Pain and Inflammation Reduced in Tennis Elbow?

To reduce the pain and inflammation of tennis elbow, try:

• Rest and avoid any activity that causes pain to the sore elbow.
• Apply ice to the affected area.
• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen.
• Cortisone-type medication may be put on topically by you or injected into the sore area by your doctor.

How Can I Promote Healing of My Tennis Elbow?

This step begins a couple of weeks after the pain of tennis elbow has been reduced or eliminated. It involves specific physical-therapy exercises to stretch and strengthen muscles and tendons around the injured elbow. Any activity that aggravates the pain must be avoided.

How Do I Decrease Stress and Abuse on Tennis Elbow?

To help lessen the continued stress and abuse on tennis elbow:

• Use the proper equipment and technique in sports and on the job.
• Use of a counter-force brace, an elastic band that wraps around the forearm just below the injured elbow (tendon) may help to relieve pain in some people.
• Avoid tight gripping, overuse of the wrist. 
• Pay attention to the movements that cause pain.

What Is the Outlook for People With Tennis Elbow?

Overall, 90% to 95% of people with tennis elbow will improve and recover with the treatment plan described. However, about 5% of people will not get better with conservative treatment and will need surgery to repair the injured muscle-tendon unit around the elbow. For 80% to 90% of people who have surgery, it results in pain relief and return of strength.