Going home after your visit
Tennis elbow — advice for adults
What tennis elbow is, how to ease it, and when to get more help.
You have tennis elbow — pain on the outer side of the elbow from overuse of the forearm tendons. It is common and not serious, and usually settles on its own, though it can take several months to get better.
Your care details
To be completed by the team before you leave.
this Emergency Department your nearest A&E other:
none needed
See your GP — or seek urgent help — if any of these happen
These point to a different problem that needs checking.
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in your hand or fingers
- The elbow becomes hot, red and swollen, with a fever
- Pain that started after a fall or injury to the elbow
- The elbow locks, clicks badly or gives way
- No improvement at all after several months
CALL 999 Numbness or weakness can point to a nerve problem, and a hot swollen elbow with fever can mean infection.
Helping it settle
- Rest from things that bring on the pain, such as gripping and repeated wrist movements, but keep the arm gently moving.
- An elbow clasp or brace can take the strain off the tendon.
- Do gentle forearm stretches and strengthening as the pain settles — these matter most.
- Put an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on it after activity.
- Use anti-inflammatory tablets or gels for a short time if you can take them.
- If you use ibuprofen gel, keep away from flames and do not smoke — it can catch fire.
What to expect
These are typical of tennis elbow and not a sign that something is wrong:
Pain on the outer elbowWorse when gripping or liftingPain spreading to the forearmSlow improvement over months
Most people get better with these measures. See your GP or a physiotherapist if it is not improving after a few weeks.
Where to get help
999
Life-threatening emergency, or a red-flag symptom above
111
Urgent but not life-threatening, or you're not sure — call or visit 111.nhs.uk, 24/7
Your team
Use the department phone in Your care details above