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Tennis elbow is a condition where you get pain on the outside of your elbow, right where the forearm tendons attach to the bone.

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It often starts as a nagging ache.

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The ache sharpens when you grip, lift, or twist.

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Despite the name, most patients do not play tennis.

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The pain can spread down the forearm as a burning sensation, and the sore spot is usually tender to press.

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Most cases settle without surgery.

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The tendon needs time and specific exercises to heal.

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A gradual progressive loading program, usually guided by a physiotherapist, is the best initial treatment.

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A counterforce brace can take the edge off during the day, and easing the activities that flare it up also helps.

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Most people improve over weeks to months.

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When the pain persists despite a fair trial of non-operative treatment, a small operation can help.

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It is done as day surgery through a short incision over the outer side of the elbow.

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The worn and painful part of the tendon is cut away, leaving healthy tendon to heal back to the bone, which may be helped with sutures.

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The procedure itself is quick, and you go home the same day, with the elbow in a simple dressing.

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Recovery is gradual.

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The arm is rested in a sling for comfort over the first few days.

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Gentle movement begins early, and most people are using the hand for light tasks within a couple of weeks.

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Strength returns over the following months, with heavy gripping and lifting last to return.

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It is normal for the elbow to grumble as it settles.

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The improvement is steady, and worth the wait.