Tennis Elbow

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

The pain persists for more than two weeks: If your tennis elbow pain remains constant or worsens over two weeks, despite rest and over-the-counter pain relievers, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment plan.
The pain significantly impacts daily activities: Pain that hinders your ability to grip objects, perform daily tasks, or participate in desired activities like hobbies or sports warrants a doctor's evaluation.
The pain disrupts your sleep: If the discomfort keeps you awake at night, impacting your sleep quality, see a doctor to explore treatment options for better pain management.
You experience weakness or numbness: Tennis elbow typically presents with pain. However, if you experience weakness or numbness in your hand or fingers alongside pain, see a doctor to rule out nerve involvement or other conditions.
The pain is sudden and severe: Tennis elbow pain typically develops gradually. If you experience sudden and intense elbow pain, especially after a fall or injury, see a doctor right away to rule out fractures or other serious injuries.
You experience swelling, redness, or warmth in the elbow joint: These symptoms, along with pain, could indicate a more serious condition like bursitis or infection, requiring prompt medical attention.
You have a fever along with the elbow pain: Fever in conjunction with elbow pain can be a sign of an infection and necessitates immediate medical evaluation.
You lose grip strength or have difficulty bending your elbow: Significant weakness or limitation in elbow movement can indicate nerve damage or a more serious issue requiring a doctor's assessment.

Information

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

The pain persists for more than two weeks: If your tennis elbow pain remains constant or worsens over two weeks, despite rest and over-the-counter pain relievers, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment plan.
The pain significantly impacts daily activities: Pain that hinders your ability to grip objects, perform daily tasks, or participate in desired activities like hobbies or sports warrants a doctor's evaluation.
The pain disrupts your sleep: If the discomfort keeps you awake at night, impacting your sleep quality, see a doctor to explore treatment options for better pain management.
You experience weakness or numbness: Tennis elbow typically presents with pain. However, if you experience weakness or numbness in your hand or fingers alongside pain, see a doctor to rule out nerve involvement or other conditions.
The pain is sudden and severe: Tennis elbow pain typically develops gradually. If you experience sudden and intense elbow pain, especially after a fall or injury, see a doctor right away to rule out fractures or other serious injuries.
You experience swelling, redness, or warmth in the elbow joint: These symptoms, along with pain, could indicate a more serious condition like bursitis or infection, requiring prompt medical attention.
You have a fever along with the elbow pain: Fever in conjunction with elbow pain can be a sign of an infection and necessitates immediate medical evaluation.
You lose grip strength or have difficulty bending your elbow: Significant weakness or limitation in elbow movement can indicate nerve damage or a more serious issue requiring a doctor's assessment.

Do:

Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate your elbow pain. Take breaks from repetitive hand or arm movements that strain the tendons.
Apply ice: Use ice packs wrapped in a towel for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to reduce inflammation.
Wear a brace: A supportive elbow brace can help distribute pressure and reduce strain on the affected tendons.
Consider over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation. (Consult your doctor before taking any medications)
Stretch and strengthen: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist can improve flexibility and stability in the forearm muscles, aiding recovery.
Maintain good posture: Proper posture helps distribute weight evenly throughout your body and reduces stress on your elbow joint.
Explore alternative therapies: Some people find relief with acupuncture, massage therapy, or ultrasound therapy. Discuss these options with your doctor or physiotherapist.

Don't:

Ignore the pain: Persistent pain is a sign something's wrong. Don't push through the pain, as it can worsen the injury.
Apply heat to a new injury: Heat can increase inflammation in acute cases. Stick to ice for the first few days.
Grip tightly or overuse your elbow: Avoid activities that require forceful gripping or repetitive elbow movements until the pain subsides.
Lift heavy objects: Avoid lifting heavy objects with improper technique, as it can strain the elbow tendons.
Massage directly on the painful area: Self-massage on the inflamed area might worsen the pain.
Neglect stretching and strengthening exercises: While rest is important, neglecting prescribed exercises can hinder your recovery and increase the risk of recurrence.
Ignore numbness or weakness: If you experience numbness or weakness in your hand or fingers alongside pain, consult a doctor immediately to rule out nerve involvement.

Possible Questions:

Can you describe your elbow pain? (Location, intensity, duration)
When did the pain first start? (Acute vs. chronic)
Did you experience any recent injury or overuse of your elbow? (Work, sports)
What activities seem to aggravate the pain? (Gripping, specific movements)
Does anything seem to improve the pain? (Rest, ice, medication)
Have you noticed any swelling, redness, or weakness in your hand or wrist?
How has your elbow pain affected your daily activities? (Work, hobbies, self-care)
Have you noticed any difficulty gripping objects or performing daily tasks?
Has the pain disrupted your sleep?
Have you tried any home remedies for the pain? (Rest, ice, over-the-counter pain medication)
Have you used a brace or any other supportive devices?
Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions? (Arthritis, diabetes)
Are you currently taking any medications?

1.Symptoms

What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?

The primary symptom is pain on the outside of the elbow, often worsened by gripping or activities that strain the wrist and forearm.

Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information.

2.Diagnosis

How is tennis elbow diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination to assess pain location and tenderness. In some cases, X-rays or other imaging tests may be needed to rule out other conditions.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

3.Treatment

How is tennis elbow treated?

Treatment usually involves rest, ice, pain medication, bracing, and physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the forearm muscles. In rare cases, injections or surgery might be considered.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

Why choose LIPS for tennis elbow treatment?

LIPS offers access to highly qualified orthopaedic specialists, advanced diagnostic tools, and personalised treatment plans in a modern facility.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

What treatment options are available for tennis elbow at LIPS?

LIPS doctors specialise in non-surgical treatment approaches like physiotherapy and injections. If necessary, minimally invasive surgical options are also available.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

What is recovery like after tennis elbow treatment?

Recovery timelines vary depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach used. LIPS provides physiotherapy guidance and can connect you with services to optimise your recovery at home.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

How much does treatment for tennis elbow cost?

The cost depends on the specific diagnosis, treatment plan, and any necessary tests or procedures. LIPS will provide a cost estimate after your consultation.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

4.Insurance

At LIPS we work with a wide range of insurance providers

Will my insurance cover treatment for tennis elbow?

Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan. LIPS can assist you in understanding your coverage and can provide a letter of medical necessity if needed.

Does LIPS offer financing options?

LIPS may offer financing options for patients. Please inquire with them directly for details.

How does LIPS work with the National Health Service?

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast – no strings attached. When you come to us, you will be seen by a qualified specialist who can determine if your situation is serious or not that same day. We don’t want you to wait weeks on end for an appointment because every minute counts when it comes to something as important as your health. If your situation is serious, our specialist will write to your doctor on the NHS advising them that you need an urgent appointment.