Management of tennis elbow

Abstract

Clinical question: What is the best treatment for tennis elbow? Results: Despite a wealth of research, there is no true consensus on the most efficacious management of tennis elbow especially for effective long-term outcomes. Corticosteroid injections do show large pain-relieving effects in the short term but are associated with risks of adverse events and long-term reoccurrence. Advice with a “wait and see” approach is recommended as the first-line treatment in primary care for most cases. In the medium term physiotherapy and or low-level laser therapy may be effective. Implementation: Rule out alternative diagnosis. Onward referral may be indicated if the condition does not resolve after 12 months.