Tennis elbow is somewhat of a misnomer since many people with this diagnosis don't play tennis. There is usually no history of trauma and repetitive use seems to make the pain worse. Discomfort is most often located over the outside or lateral bony prominence of the elbow (called the epicondyle), with a similar but less frequent condition seen on the inside or medial joint area, just in front or anterior to the "crazy bone." This problem area over the outside of the elbow is where a large tendon attaches to bone. Functionally, it helps lift your wrist up (extension).
You can usually reproduce the symptoms by forcefully extending the wrist joint against resistance. Xrays are of very little benefit and treatment is best implemented with a trial of NSAIM, ice massage, and physical therapy modalities. I believe cortisone shots should be delayed until more conservative measures are tried, since frequently patients get relief without the injection, which can be very uncomfortable.
Although some physicians are quick to splint people with tennis elbow, or stop their activities, I find this only temporarily masks the pain which almost immediately returns with use. Therefore, my recommendation is that the patient cut back on the offending source causing the pain while simultaneously undergoing treatment and then work back to the initial level of activity, slowly.

Tennis elbow bands wrapped around the area below the joint may be helpful but care must be taken to avoid putting these on too tight and possibly compromising circulation. In my experience, less than five percent of patients with this annoying problem come to surgery, although many people with this aggravating problem have gotten significant relief from this small out-patient procedure that carries with it very little risk. You won't play tennis or many other sports for two to three months.

Features:
- A sewn-in compression pad for increased tendon pressure and to provide counter face support.
- A fully adjustable strap and contact closures that will fit left or right forearm.

Neoprene Tennis Elbow strap with adjustable Velcro closure and tendon pad. Available in 1/8" thickness. Provides warmth and compression around the proximal forearm musculature. Applies localized pressure to the flexor (medial epicedial) or extensor (lateral epicedial) muscles of the forearm.