How can I manage the pain associated with tennis elbow?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is typically managed through a combination of conservative treatments. Common options include:

Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the elbow to allow tendons to heal.
Ice: Applying cold packs to reduce inflammation and pain.
Physical therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen forearm muscles and improve flexibility.
Steroid injections: Considered in persistent cases to reduce inflammation when other treatments fail.

Most cases improve with early, consistent care, but symptoms can mimic other conditions like nerve compression or arthritis. Because treatment depends on the underlying cause, identifying the source of your pain is the critical first step. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be driving your discomfort and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

The first step in treating tennis elbow is to rest your arm and allow it to heal. Avoid activities that cause pain. Applying ice to your elbow will help reduce pain and swelling.

A physical therapist can teach you specific exercises to strengthen and improve flexibility in the muscles around your elbow. If these conservative approaches don't provide enough relief, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections.

If you're experiencing elbow pain and want to better understand your symptoms, try our free symptom checker before your appointment. Always consult with your doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific case.

(References)

Petrella RJ, Cogliano A, Decaria J, Mohamed N, Lee R. Management of Tennis Elbow with sodium hyaluronate periarticular injections. Sports Med Arthrosc Rehabil Ther Technol. 2010 Feb 2;2:4. doi: 10.1186/1758-2555-2-4. PMID: 20205851; PMCID: PMC2825499.
Uttamchandani SR, Phansopkar P. Conservative Management of Lateral Epicondylalgia: A Review. Cureus. 2024 May 8;16(5):e59875. doi: 10.7759/cureus.59875. PMID: 38854316; PMCID: PMC11157989.
Page P. A new exercise for tennis elbow that works! N Am J Sports Phys Ther. 2010 Sep;5(3):189-93. PMID: 21589674; PMCID: PMC2971639.

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