Emergency and Urgent Care - Tennis/Golfers Elbow

This leaflet contains discharge advice following your attendance to the Accident & Emergency Department (A&E).

You have been seen today by a doctor or clinician and have been diagnosed as suffering from Tennis/Golfers elbow. This can be caused by an injury, by repetitive use of the arm, but can also occur with no injury or if you bang the outer elbow.

You may also develop Tennis/Golfers elbow if you perform activities you do not normally do such as:

• Gardening
• Lifting
• Decorating
• Sports

The elbow is surrounded by many muscles and tendons, these assist with the movement of the elbow, wrist, and fingers.
Tendons in the elbow attach the muscles and tendons in your forearm to the bones in your elbow, these muscles and tendons are used to bend and straighten your wrist. Tennis/Golfers elbow involves tendon and muscle near the elbow. It does NOT involve the bone.

Secondary to your recent problem/injury you will have likely suffered a strain type injury. A strain is a stretch or tear in a muscle or a tendon.

Tennis/Golfers elbow is a self-limiting condition, which means it will eventually get better without treatment.

What should I do now?

• Rest the affected limb for the first 2 to 3 days as this helps prevent further swelling and pain
• If you are provided with a sling, please use it as advised
• Apply ice or something cool every 2 hours for 20 minutes for the next 24 to 48 hours, ensure the ice or frozen peas are wrapped in a cloth or a towel, DO NOT APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE SKIN as this could cause a burn
• Take simple pain killers such as paracetamol and/or ibuprofen which can be purchased from a chemist or shop
• Take medication according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Further management after the above initial treatment may include:

• Physiotherapy
• Referral to a specialist
• Steroid injection
• Surgery

If you have any concerns please contact the Emergency department for further advice on 0161 627 8926.

The Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Road, Oldham, OL1 2JH.