Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Treatment, Recovery, and First Aid Considerations

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury that affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It often develops from repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist movements and is not limited to tennis players—many Canadians develop it through work, home renovations, or recreational activities.

In most cases, tennis elbow heals on its own with time, rest, and appropriate care. Early management is important to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent long-term tendon damage.

Common Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow

Rest and Activity Modification

Allowing the affected arm and elbow time to rest is essential. Avoid activities that worsen pain, especially repetitive gripping or lifting.

Ice Therapy

Application of ice on the affected elbow to reduce the swelling and pain.

Applying ice to the affected elbow helps reduce pain and swelling.

Apply an ice pack for 20–30 minutes
Repeat every 3–4 hours
Continue for 2–3 days or until symptoms improve

Always place a cloth between the ice pack and skin to prevent cold injury.

Elbow Straps or Braces

Using an elbow strap can reduce strain on the injured tendon by redistributing force away from the painful area during daily activities or work.

Pain Relief Medications

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin may reduce pain and swelling.

These should be used sparingly
Long-term or frequent use may increase the risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding
NSAIDs may delay tendon healing if overused

Consult a healthcare provider before prolonged use.

Exercises and Physiotherapy

Range-of-motion exercises help prevent stiffness and should be done 3–5 times daily
Physiotherapy can strengthen the forearm muscles, improve flexibility, and support long-term recovery

Injections or Advanced Treatment

Corticosteroid injections may provide short-term pain relief but do not address the underlying tendon injury and are not always recommended.

If symptoms do not improve after 2–4 months of conservative treatment, surgical repair may be considered. Surgery involves removing damaged tendon tissue and repairing the remaining tendon.

Recovery and Return to Activity

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury and individual healing rates. Returning to activity too soon can worsen the condition.

You may safely resume normal activities when:

Bearing weight or gripping objects does not cause pain
The injured elbow feels as strong as the uninjured side
Full movement is possible without discomfort
There is no swelling

Gradual return to activity is key to preventing reinjury.

First Aid & Education Note for Canadians

First Aid & Health Education Disclaimer:
This information is intended for educational and first aid awareness purposes only and does not replace medical assessment or treatment. Persistent elbow pain, worsening symptoms, or loss of function should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced First Aid courses in Canada teach injury recognition, pain management principles, and when to seek medical care for musculoskeletal injuries such as tennis elbow.