Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Prevention

If you play racquet sports, use the proper equipment for your size and skill level. You may want to consult a professional to be sure you are using proper equipment and technique. You also can adjust the tension of the strings of your racquet. A sports medicine professional can teach you exercises that will stretch and strengthen tendons to prevent injury. Also, many specialists suggest using a forearm band placed one to two inches below the elbow to reduce tension on the tendons.

Do not increase the frequency, duration or intensity of any sports activity rapidly. Start slowly, and build slowly. Try to maintain a neutral wrist position (not bent backward or forward). If you feel elbow or arm pain, stop immediately. A physical therapist can suggest exercises to strengthen the muscles and increase flexibility to prevent future injury.

Treatment

The most important treatment for tennis elbow is rest, because the condition will not improve if the activity that caused it continues. Ice packs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn and others), may provide some relief from pain. A forearm band or strap wrapped around the forearm just below the elbow may provide significant relief. This rests the inflamed tendon. People with severe pain may have the elbow immobilized in a sling or splinted at a 90-degree angle, although the elbow should not be immobilized for prolonged periods.

Some doctors also recommend an injection of a corticosteroid, such as cortisone, into the area to reduce inflammation and pain. Some patients may need physical therapy, including ultrasound therapy and exercises to strengthen the area and increase flexibility.