Available treatments for Tennis Elbow

Anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen are commonly used to ease pain in tennis elbow. Drug use in general should be avoided where possible and can carry with it its own side effects and complications

Elbow bracingAn early form of treatment now shown to be ineffective, bracing of the elbow does not alleviate the pain generated in the joint. Bracing may help to give support and protection to the elbow until symptoms ease.

Steroid injectionsA painful and short term solution, steroid injections show no long term benefits and carry side effects such as fat atrophy and depigmentation around the injection site. learn more

Physical TherapyAlthough significantly better than steroid injections, the results in tests show only a marginal improvement over no treatment at all. Treatment is also expensive and lengthy.

TENS machinesProven to be less effective than vibration therapy, TENS machines work by providing an electrical impulse to the affected area. Ineffective and difficult to use on a small area such as the elbow.

Surgical InterventionPainful with a risk of complications and expensive, surgery should only be considered as a last resort. Surgery involves stripping the tendon and burning holes to stimulate inflammation and healing.