Tennis elbow does not usually lead to serious problems. If the condition continues and is left untreated, however, loss of motion or loss of function of the elbow and forearm can develop.
Call your doctor if the following conditions develop:
Ice the area twice a day for 20 minutes to help to decrease inflammation and relieve pain. Freezing water in a paper cup and tearing away the top rim as the ice melts is an easy way to use ice. Do not put ice directly on the skin. Wrap it in a towel.
Rest the sore area to prevent further injury and decrease pain.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), aspirin, or naproxen (Aleve) may help decrease the pain and help the healing .
Continue the treatment plan for the prescribed length of time. Ending a treatment plan too early increases the chance of reinjury to the tendon.
If, after a period of relief, your pain comes back, return to a treatment plan or revisit your doctor.
About 85% of people have pain relief within 12 months of conservative therapy (ice, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications).
Those who do not get relief with conservative therapy go on to other treatments, also with very high effectiveness.
Failure to follow through on a therapy plan leads to a 70% chance of recurrence.