Arthritis: Tennis Elbow

How Is Pain and Inflammation Reduced?

To reduce the pan 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 injected into the sore area.

How Can I Promote Healing of My Injury?

This step begins a couple of weeks after pain 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 the Injury?

To help lessen the continued stress and abuse on the injury:

• 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.

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.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases

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