Tennis elbow
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Tennis elbow: Condition overview
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Consumer Reports Health explains the best and most up-to-date expert research and evidence about treating tennis elbow. Our clear and sound advice helps you and your doctor choose your best treatment options.

Key points for people with tennis elbow
  • Tennis elbow causes pain or soreness on the outside of your upper arm, the muscles in your lower arm, and the back of your hand.
  • Tennis elbow happens when you damage the tendons in your lower arm. These tendons attach your muscles to the bone of your elbow.
  • Although playing tennis and other racquet sports can lead to tennis elbow only 1 in 20 people get it this way.
  • You're more likely to get tennis elbow if your forearm muscles aren't fit and you over-exert them.
  • Tennis elbow usually gets better by itself, but certain treatments may improve your symptoms more quickly.
Only use your arm as much as the pain allows and avoid repeated twisting movements. You can try treating your elbow pain at home by applying an ice pack, gently rubbing your elbow with an anti-inflammatory painkilling cream, or taking a painkilling tablet. You should see your doctor if your elbow isn't any better after a few weeks. But if you have a fever or your elbow is red and swollen you should see your doctor straight away.

Our concise condition report and Treatment Ratings table will help you and your doctor decide which treatment for tennis elbow is right for you. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, we'll also help you sort through the best research and the most effective treatments for over 100 conditions and illnesses that may affect you and your family.