Tennis elbow, or lateral elbow tendinopathy, causes pain around the outside of the elbow and is often linked to repeated gripping, lifting or wrist movement. Despite the name, most people who develop it do not play tennis.
Many cases improve over time. Early management usually focuses on reducing or modifying activities that clearly aggravate symptoms rather than complete immobilisation. Simple pain relief may be appropriate for some people, but medicines are not suitable for everyone and should be used according to individual health circumstances.
Gradual strengthening and rehabilitation of the forearm can be useful, particularly when symptoms persist. A physiotherapist can help tailor exercises and identify work, sport or movement factors that may be maintaining the problem.
Some treatments are commonly discussed but have limitations. Corticosteroid injections can reduce pain in the short term for some people, yet they do not reliably improve long-term outcomes and repeated injections may be unhelpful. Evidence for techniques such as therapeutic ultrasound, dry needling and other procedures varies, so they should not be presented as established cures.
Surgery is rarely needed. Persistent pain, significant weakness, uncertainty about the diagnosis or symptoms that do not improve should be assessed by a GP, physiotherapist or other qualified clinician.
