Musculoskeletal
Medicines for Tennis elbow
Pain on the outer side of the elbow from overuse of the forearm tendons — common, usually not from tennis, and generally improves with rest and simple measures.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow is a common condition causing pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, where the forearm tendons attach to the bone. Despite the name, most people who get it do not play tennis — it usually results from repetitive gripping, lifting or twisting movements (at work, DIY or hobbies) that overload the tendon.
- How it is treated: Most tennis elbow improves with simple, conservative measures, so treatment starts there.
- Self-care: Modifying aggravating activities, improving grip and workplace ergonomics, doing prescribed forearm strengthening exercises, and using simple pain relief for flare-ups all help.
- When to seek help: See a GP or physiotherapist for elbow pain that persists despite rest and self-care, limits daily activities, or is not improving.
What it is
Tennis elbow is a common condition causing pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, where the forearm tendons attach to the bone. Despite the name, most people who get it do not play tennis — it usually results from repetitive gripping, lifting or twisting movements (at work, DIY or hobbies) that overload the tendon. The pain is often worse when gripping, lifting, or straightening the wrist and fingers, and can radiate down the forearm. It is essentially an overuse tendon problem, and although it can be persistent, it usually gets better with time and the right approach.
How it is treated
Most tennis elbow improves with simple, conservative measures, so treatment starts there. Relative rest — reducing the activities that aggravate it while staying gently active — is key, along with simple pain relief and, importantly, specific strengthening and stretching exercises for the forearm, which are the most effective long-term treatment. A physiotherapist can guide these and check technique at work or in sport. A supportive brace may help some people. Injections are used less often now, as exercise-based treatment gives better lasting results. Full recovery can take several months.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Tennis elbow
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Modifying aggravating activities, improving grip and workplace ergonomics, doing prescribed forearm strengthening exercises, and using simple pain relief for flare-ups all help. Patience is important, as recovery is gradual.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP or physiotherapist for elbow pain that persists despite rest and self-care, limits daily activities, or is not improving. Seek assessment for elbow pain after an injury, or with locking, marked swelling or redness.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Tennis elbow: frequently asked questions
Do you have to play tennis to get tennis elbow?
No. Most people with tennis elbow do not play tennis — it usually comes from repetitive gripping, lifting or twisting at work, DIY or hobbies that overload the forearm tendon.
What is the best treatment for tennis elbow?
Relative rest plus specific forearm strengthening and stretching exercises (ideally guided by a physiotherapist) are the most effective long-term treatment. Recovery is gradual, often over several months.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS — Tennis elbow
- NHS — Tennis elbow
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