Tennis elbow is a common condition, often suffered by people who play racquet sports, like tennis and badminton. However, most people who contract tennis elbow don’t actually play these sports at all. Indeed, it is believed to affect between 1 and 3 in 100 people, and is most common in people aged between 40 and 60. It’s caused by repeated overuse of the arm, through activities like sewing, using a screwdriver, using a keyboard and mouse, painting and gardening. Tennis elbow can also vary in intensity, with pain lasting from between six weeks and two years. However, there are a variety of ways to treat the condition.

One of the most common treatments for tennis elbow is self-help. The most important factor here is rest, in particular stopping the activity that caused the injured tendon in the first place. A cold compress held against the elbow for 10 minutes every 2 hours may also help ease the pain. Some tennis elbow sufferers find wearing a strap or brace helpful. However, these should not be worn continuously and should be removed at night.

Medication may also help relieve the suffering of tennis elbow patients. Over-the-counter pain relief like Paracetemol and Ibuprofen may help. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen are also available as a gel, cream or ointment that can be applied directly to the affected area, rather than taken orally in capsule or tablet form.

Your GP may also refer you to a physiotherapist, a medical professional that specialises in issues of mobility. Physiotherapy often involved regular visits to a physiotherapist, who will devise a programme of exercises for you to stretch and rehabilitate your muscles. Your physiotherapist may also try other methods to reduce the pain caused by tennis elbow, such as deep tissue massage and acupuncture.

In fact, complementary therapies like acupuncture may be commonly used to treat tennis elbow. However, their effectiveness is often contested so be sure to do your research and seek professional advice before undergoing such treatments.

If traditional methods like medication and physiotherapy don’t help reduce the pain caused by tennis elbow, your doctor may recommend non-surgical treatments like steroid joint injections (also known as corticosteroid injections). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy, by which high energy shockwaves are sent through the skin, may also be recommended to reduce pain, although further research is needed on this treatment. As a last resort, your doctor may suggest surgery to repair the damaged tendon, though this is very rare.

The author of this article is a part of a digital marketing agency that works with brands like Bupa. The views and opinions expressed within this article belong to the writer and any reference or summary of Bupa Health Information Factsheets is that of the writers and does not represent Bupa or the information contained within the Bupa website. The contents of this article are of a general nature only and do not constitute specific advice.  This article does not take into account your circumstances or needs and must not be relied upon in place of appropriate professional advice.