Question 1

What is tennis elbow?

Accepted Answer

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a painful condition affecting the outer elbow. It's caused by degeneration and microscopic tearing of the tendons that attach your wrist extensor muscles to the lateral epicondyle (bony bump on outside of elbow). Specifically, the ECRB (extensor carpi radialis brevis) tendon is most commonly affected. Despite the name, only 5-10% of people with tennis elbow actually play tennis - it's mainly an overuse injury from repetitive wrist and hand activities in work or daily life. It affects 1-3% of the population, most commonly people aged 40-60 years. The condition is actually tendinosis (chronic degeneration) rather than acute inflammation.

Question 2

How long does tennis elbow take to heal?

Accepted Answer

Most people take 6-18 months to fully recover from tennis elbow. Typical timeline: 6-12 weeks - initial improvement with activity modification and treatment, 3-6 months - significant improvement, 6-12 months - complete resolution for most people. About 80-90% improve with conservative treatment alone. Factors affecting recovery time: how long you've had symptoms before treatment (longer duration = slower recovery), compliance with activity modification, consistency with exercises, and ability to modify work activities. If you need surgery, add another 4-6 months for full recovery. Tennis elbow is frustrating because it takes so long, but most people do eventually get better with patience and appropriate treatment.

Question 3

Should I get a cortisone injection?

Accepted Answer

Cortisone injections provide rapid pain relief (70-80% of people improve within days) but studies show they have WORSE long-term outcomes than physiotherapy alone. People who get cortisone often have higher recurrence rates and more chronic symptoms than those who do physiotherapy only. However, cortisone may be appropriate if: pain is severe and affecting sleep or work, you need short-term relief to participate in physiotherapy, you have an important event coming up (single-use only), or you've tried physiotherapy for months without improvement. If considering cortisone: limit to maximum 2-3 injections lifetime, combine with physiotherapy not instead of it, understand pain will likely return after 3-6 months. Alternative: PRP injection may have better long-term results but evidence is mixed and it's expensive ($300-800 not covered by Medicare).

Question 4

What exercises should I do for tennis elbow?

Accepted Answer

Eccentric strengthening exercises are most effective for tennis elbow. Key exercise: Wrist extensor eccentric. Hold light dumbbell (0.5-2kg), rest forearm on table with hand hanging off edge palm down. Use other hand to lift wrist up (bend backward), then slowly lower weight down with affected hand over 5 seconds. Do 3 sets of 15 reps daily. Progress weight gradually over weeks. Tyler Twist (another proven exercise): Use rubber bar or TheraBand Flexbar, twist it with both hands like wringing out towel, then slowly un-twist with affected hand. Do 3 sets of 15 daily. Start these exercises after acute pain settles (2-4 weeks). Expect mild discomfort during exercises (acceptable) but not severe pain. Be consistent - exercises take 8-12 weeks to show significant benefit. Physiotherapist can guide progression and technique.

Question 5

Why won't my tennis elbow go away?

Accepted Answer

Tennis elbow that doesn't improve usually has one of these reasons: 1) Not enough time - tennis elbow takes 6-12 months to resolve, many people expect faster recovery. 2) Not modifying activities - continuing aggravating activities prevents healing. 3) Inadequate physiotherapy - exercises need to be done consistently for months. 4) Misdiagnosis - could be nerve compression (radial tunnel syndrome), arthritis, or other condition. 5) Severe tendon degeneration - extensive damage takes longer to heal. 6) Work factors - unable to avoid repetitive activities due to work demands. 7) Smoking - impairs tendon healing. If symptoms haven't improved after 6 months of appropriate conservative treatment (activity modification + physiotherapy), see orthopaedic surgeon for assessment. May need MRI to assess tendon damage and consider surgery.

Medical Disclaimer

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

📖What is Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)?

🔬What Causes It?

⚠️Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

🛡️Prevention