Pain on the outer side of your elbow that doesn’t seem to go away can make even the simplest daily tasks difficult. Whether you’re lifting a cup of coffee, typing on a keyboard, or shaking someone’s hand, persistent elbow pain may be a sign of tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis.
Many people initially try home remedies such as rest, ice packs, or pain-relieving gels. While these treatments may provide temporary relief, they are not always enough—especially if the condition has progressed.
In this blog, we’ll explain what tennis elbow is, why home remedies sometimes fail, and the most effective tennis elbow treatment options available today.
Tennis elbow is a painful condition caused by repetitive stress on the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, you don’t have to play tennis to develop it.
Anyone who repeatedly uses their forearm muscles can develop tennis elbow, including:
The repeated strain causes tiny tears in the tendon, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced grip strength.
The symptoms usually develop gradually and may worsen over time.
Common signs include:
If these symptoms persist for several weeks, it is important to consult a tennis elbow doctor for proper evaluation.
For mild cases, home care can reduce pain and allow the tendon to heal.
Common home remedies include:
Many patients experience improvement within a few weeks. However, if symptoms continue despite these measures, further treatment may be required.
Home remedies may no longer be effective if:
Persistent pain often indicates that the tendon has not healed properly.
If lifting groceries, typing, driving, or holding objects becomes painful, professional treatment is recommended.
Weakness in the hand or forearm suggests that the tendon injury may be worsening.
If the pain improves temporarily but returns whenever you resume normal activities, the underlying problem has not fully healed.
Pain that continues even when you’re not using your arm may indicate more significant tendon damage.
Ignoring these symptoms may prolong recovery and increase the risk of chronic tendon degeneration.
An orthopaedic surgeon usually diagnoses tennis elbow through:
If necessary, imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI may be recommended to rule out other conditions like arthritis, ligament injuries, or fractures.
The best treatment depends on the severity of the condition and how long you’ve had symptoms.
Physiotherapy is often the first-line treatment for persistent tennis elbow.
It focuses on:
A structured rehabilitation programme can significantly improve pain and function.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help reduce pain and inflammation. These should be taken only under medical supervision.
A counterforce brace helps reduce pressure on the injured tendon during daily activities.
While braces relieve symptoms, they do not cure the condition.
In selected patients, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections may promote tendon healing by using the patient’s own growth factors.
PRP is often considered for chronic tennis elbow that has not responded to conservative treatment.
Steroid injections can provide temporary pain relief by reducing inflammation.
However, repeated steroid injections are generally avoided because they may weaken the tendon over time.
Surgery is recommended only when symptoms persist despite several months of non-surgical treatment.
The procedure involves removing damaged tendon tissue and repairing healthy tissue.
Modern surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures, usually allow faster recovery and rehabilitation.
Recovery time depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment received.
Following your doctor’s instructions and completing physiotherapy are essential for a successful recovery.
Although not every case can be prevented, these simple habits can reduce your risk:
Small lifestyle changes can go a long way in protecting your elbows from repetitive strain injuries.
Consult an orthopaedic specialist if:
Early diagnosis can prevent chronic tendon damage and help you return to your normal activities sooner.
Persistent elbow pain deserves expert evaluation. Dr. Siddhant Gupta offers comprehensive diagnosis and personalised treatment plans for tennis elbow and other sports-related injuries. He practices in 4 well known hospitals of Baranagar area in Kolkata, e.g., Binayak Hospital, Niramaya Nursing Home, Charnock Lohia Hospital and Mayfair Hospital.
Depending on your condition, treatment may include conservative management, physiotherapy guidance, minimally invasive procedures, or surgical intervention when required. The goal is always to relieve pain, restore function, and help you return to your daily routine safely.
Home remedies are often effective for mild tennis elbow, but they are not always enough. If your pain persists, worsens, or starts affecting your daily life, it’s time to seek professional medical care.
Early diagnosis and the right tennis elbow treatment can prevent long-term complications, improve recovery, and help you regain strength and mobility. Don’t ignore persistent elbow pain—consult an experienced orthopaedic surgeon to receive the treatment that’s right for you.
Most patients improve with physiotherapy, activity modification, medications, and elbow braces. Chronic cases may require PRP therapy or surgery.
Mild cases may recover within 6–8 weeks, while chronic cases can take several months depending on the severity and treatment.
Yes. Most people recover with non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, rest, and lifestyle modifications. Surgery is reserved for persistent cases.
You should consult a doctor if pain lasts longer than six weeks, affects daily activities, or doesn’t improve with home care.
No. Repetitive activities such as typing, painting, carpentry, plumbing, gardening, and lifting can also cause tennis elbow.
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for tennis elbow. It helps strengthen the forearm muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce stress on the injured tendon.
Untreated tennis elbow can lead to chronic pain, reduced grip strength, tendon degeneration, and difficulty performing everyday tasks.
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Binayak Enclave, 59, KC Ghosh Rd, Bidhan Park, Binayak Enclave, Sadhan Pally, Baranagar, Kolkata West Bengal 700050
Binayak Enclave, 59, KC Ghosh Rd, Bidhan Park, Binayak Enclave, Sadhan Pally, Baranagar, Kolkata West Bengal 700050
