Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) Treatment

Tennis elbow treatment focuses on relieving pain, reducing stiffness, and restoring strength and range of motion so you can return to your daily activities. At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, care begins with a conservative, non-surgical approach whenever possible. The majority of patients are successfully treated without surgery.

The board-certified, fellowship-trained elbow specialists at Hoag Orthopedic Institute provide personalized treatments tailored to your symptoms, activity level, and goals. With advanced treatment options and a patient-centered approach, our team helps you heal and get back to the activities that matter most to you.

What are Tennis Elbow Treatments?

Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, typically develops gradually in response to overuse of the forearm tendons. Tennis elbow treatment begins by reducing irritation of the tendon and by relieving pain and inflammation. Lateral epicondylitis treatment also promotes tendon healing while rebuilding strength and function.

For most patients, this painful elbow condition improves with non-surgical treatment. If symptoms persist despite appropriate care, further treatment options, including tennis elbow surgery, may be considered.

Non-Surgical Tennis Elbow Treatment Options

At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, we provide personalized tennis elbow treatment to meet your specific needs.

Our non-surgical treatments for tennis elbow pain include:

Rest and temporary activity modification to avoid aggravating the elbow
Ice the elbow
Heat applied locally following acute stage
Over-the-counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for pain and swelling
Compression wrap
Physical therapy to improve flexibility, rebuild strength, and gradually restore function
Bracing or splinting to reduce strain on the tendon
Corticosteroid injections to reduce pain

Physical therapy is a key component of our tennis elbow treatment options and is essential to restoring strength, function, and long-term recovery.

What is Tennis Elbow Surgery?

In severe cases or when symptoms do not improve after 6 to 12 months of non-surgical therapy, surgical intervention may be required. The decision to pursue tennis elbow surgery is individualized and based on the severity of symptoms, response to conservative care, and the impact of elbow pain on quality of life. Your elbow specialist will help determine the best course of treatment for you.

The goal of tennis elbow surgery is to remove unhealthy tendon tissue and create conditions that allow the tendon to heal. Surgical tennis elbow treatment involves removing a small portion of the damaged tendon and then reattaching the healthy portion to the bone. Depending on the surgical approach, this may involve releasing part of the tendon, repairing it, or stimulating healing at the attachment site. This is typically done as elbow arthroscopy except for more complex or severe cases.

Arthroscopic elbow surgery is less invasive, with just two small incisions made on the medial (inner) and lateral (outer) side of the elbow. This approach leaves minimal scarring and enables faster healing.

What Happens if Tennis Elbow Goes Untreated?

Left untreated, tennis elbow pain and weakness will persist and continue to interfere with daily activities, work, or sports. Ongoing strain on the tendon can slow healing and make symptoms harder to resolve over time. In some cases, this type of tendonitis can become a chronic condition, requiring a longer course of treatment to restore strength and function.
Early intervention and appropriate tennis elbow treatment can help prevent prolonged discomfort and support a smoother recovery.

Find an Elbow Doctor

Why Choose Hoag Orthopedic Institute for Tennis Elbow Treatment

Hoag Orthopedic Institute offers comprehensive lateral epicondylitis treatment, including highly effective non-surgical options and advanced surgical solutions when needed. Your orthopedic team tailors your treatment plans to your symptoms, activity level, and recovery goals, with an emphasis on restoring your strength, function, and confidence in everyday movement.

With specialized elbow care, advanced diagnostic tools, and a coordinated rehabilitation approach, we offer tennis elbow treatment that helps get you back on the court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your first appointment with an elbow specialist at Hoag Orthopedic Institute is designed to give you clarity about your condition, confidence, and a personalized path toward healing. Your orthopedic elbow doctor will begin by reviewing your medical history, discussing your symptoms, and asking about any previous injuries or treatments.
You’ll receive a focused physical exam, and if needed, your elbow doctor will order advanced imaging, such as X-rays or an MRI, for a more detailed diagnosis. Your orthopedic elbow specialist will explain what they find in clear terms, answer all your questions, and work with you to develop a tailored treatment plan.
Whether you're recovering from a sports injury, struggling with chronic pain, or seeking a second opinion, your first visit with our elbow specialists is the beginning of a partnership built on trust, transparency, and expert care.
Scheduling an appointment with an elbow doctor at Hoag Orthopedic Institute is simple. You can request a consultation online or call our scheduling team directly at (949) 890-0464. Our patient coordinators will help connect you with the right orthopedic elbow specialist based on your condition, preferences, and availability..
From your first contact, we prioritize communication and access to care. You’ll have support every step of the way, including help with insurance questions, convenient appointment times, and fast access to advanced diagnostics and imaging.
During your visit, your orthopedic elbow doctor will take the time to explain your condition, answer your questions, and walk you through personalized treatment options to help you move forward with confidence.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our experienced elbow doctors and orthopedic elbow surgeons offer a full range of treatment options tailored to your diagnosis, lifestyle, and recovery goals. Whenever possible, your elbow specialist will recommend non-surgical approaches first — including activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, bracing, ultrasound, corticosteroid injections, and targeted physical therapy.
When surgery is the most effective treatment for your needs, our fellowship-trained elbow surgeons use advanced techniques such as arthroscopy and robotic-assisted procedures to reduce trauma, lower complication risk, and speed recovery. Whether your pain comes from arthritis, overuse, instability, or a traumatic injury, your elbow doctor will guide you through a personalized plan focused on restoring joint function and relieving pain.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, you’ll receive expert care from fellowship-trained elbow doctors and orthopedic elbow specialists who focus exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of elbow injuries and conditions. Our orthopedic elbow surgeons are leaders in using advanced techniques, including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive procedures, to support faster healing and optimal outcomes.
Our collaborative team guides your treatment plan, prioritizing your comfort, function, long-term well-being, and personal goals. Whether you're dealing with chronic joint pain, nerve compression, or a traumatic injury, one of our dedicated orthopedic elbow doctors will develop a personalized plan to relieve your pain, restore your range of motion, and help you return to the activities you enjoy.