Pain on the outside of the elbow that flares when you grip, lift, shake hands or turn a key is one of the most common elbow complaints. It is called tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylalgia, and most people who get it have never picked up a racquet.
Tennis elbow can be stubborn, and there is a lot of mixed advice about what to do, especially around cortisone injections. Here is what tennis elbow actually is, what the evidence says helps, and when it is worth seeing a physio.
- What is tennis elbow?
- What causes tennis elbow?
- Should I get a cortisone injection?
- What actually helps tennis elbow?
- How long does tennis elbow take to settle?
- When should you see a physio?
- Helping You Perform at Your Best
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow is an overload problem of the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow, the ones that help you grip and lift your wrist and fingers. It usually causes pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, often spreading into the forearm, and it can make everyday gripping tasks sore.
Despite the name, it is most common in the 35 to 55 age group from everyday load, such as work, trades, lifting, gardening, desk and repetitive tasks, not just sport.
What causes tennis elbow?
It is usually about load rather than a single injury. When the demand on these forearm tendons outpaces what they are used to, the tissue becomes irritated and sensitive. Common contributors include a sudden increase in gripping or lifting, repetitive forearm tasks, and not enough recovery between loads.
Should I get a cortisone injection?
This is the question many people ask, and the evidence offers an important caution. A corticosteroid (cortisone) injection can reduce pain in the short term, but it is associated with a much higher rate of the problem coming back compared with physiotherapy. In one well-known trial, recurrence was far higher after a corticosteroid injection (around 72%) than after physiotherapy (around 8%) or a wait-and-see approach (around 10%).
In other words, an injection may feel helpful quickly, but it does not appear to give better results over the longer term, and it can be linked with more relapses. It is worth discussing the trade-offs with your health professional before deciding.
What actually helps tennis elbow?
The evidence points towards exercise-based care for lasting improvement. A typical plan includes:
- Progressive loading exercises for the forearm tendons
- Adjusting aggravating gripping and lifting for a period rather than stopping completely
- Looking at work setup, technique and load habits
- Gradually building capacity back up as symptoms settle
Many people improve with a structured programme tailored to their hand use and goals.
How long does tennis elbow take to settle?
Tennis elbow often settles over time, but it can be slow and timelines vary from person to person. Sticking with a sensible loading plan and managing aggravating activities usually matters more than chasing a quick fix. A physio can help you judge progress and adjust the plan.
When should you see a physio?
See a physio if your elbow pain is limiting your work, sport or daily tasks, is not settling, or you want a clear plan and help weighing up your options. It is also worth getting assessed if the pain followed a specific injury, the elbow locks or gives way, or you have significant weakness or numbness, as these may point to something else.
Helping You Perform at Your Best
Tennis elbow can be frustrating, especially when it affects your grip at work, in the gym or around the house.
At Ace Sports Medicine in Upper Mount Gravatt, our physiotherapists provide personalised care for tennis elbow and forearm tendon pain across Brisbane's southside. Your first appointment includes an assessment and a starter plan so you know your next step.
Need support for outside-elbow pain? Book an appointment with the Ace Sports Medicine team today.
