Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a common condition that causes pain around the outside of your elbow. Don't worry - you don't need to play tennis to get it! It happens when the strong cords (called tendons) that connect your muscles to bones become swollen and sore.

What Does Tennis Elbow Feel Like?

The main sign is pain on the outside of your elbow. This pain can be:

• Mild discomfort when you move your arm
• Constant pain that even keeps you awake at night
• Worse when lifting or bending your arm
• Worse when gripping things or moving your wrist

You might also notice:

• Your elbow feels tender or swollen
• Pain in your forearm
• Trouble fully straightening your arm

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow happens when you do activities that involve gripping something and repeatedly twisting your wrist and forearm. Common causes include:

• Computer work like typing or using a mouse
• Manual tasks like sewing or using a screwdriver
• Sports like tennis
• Playing musical instruments

Anyone can get tennis elbow, but it's most common in people aged 35 to 54.

What You Can Do at Home

The good news is tennis elbow usually gets better with rest. Here's what can help:

Do:

• Rest your arm and avoid activities that make the pain worse
• Take paracetamol for pain relief
• Rub anti-inflammatory gel on the sore area
• Use a hot or cold pack wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes every 2-3 hours
• Try gentle exercises like bending and straightening your arm
• Consider wearing a forearm strap or elbow brace from the pharmacy

Important safety note: Never smoke or go near naked flames when using ibuprofen gel - it's highly flammable and could cause severe burns.

When to Speak to Your GP

You should speak to your GP if:

• Your elbow pain continues after resting and trying home treatments for at least 2 weeks
• The pain is getting worse instead of better
• You're struggling with daily activities

What Treatments Might Help

Your GP might:

• Give you anti-inflammatory tablets
• Refer you for physiotherapy if home treatments haven't worked after 6 weeks

Physiotherapy might include:

• Massage
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Ultrasound therapy (special sound waves that help healing)

In rare cases where tennis elbow lasts 6-12 months, surgery might be an option.

Getting Help Without Seeing Your GP

You might be able to refer yourself directly to NHS community services for help with joint and muscle problems, including physiotherapy. Ask your local practice about this option.

The Bottom Line

Tennis elbow is common and usually gets better with rest and simple home treatments. Most people recover within a few weeks, though it can sometimes take longer. The key is to rest your arm and avoid activities that make it worse.

If you're concerned about persistent pain or if simple treatments aren't helping after 2 weeks, speak to your GP. They can check what's going on and suggest the best treatment for you.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.