Tennis elbow is a repetitive-use injury characterized by inflammation and pain. It afflicts the upper arm on the back or outer region of your elbow. An examination of the tendons may reveal tears in the fiber, but this damage is usually undetectable on an x-ray. A physician can establish a diagnosis based upon your report of symptoms and by lightly palpating the area. In most cases, the onset of pain is gradual. The discomfort intensifies when you attempt to perform gripping or lifting motions.This injury is prevalent in sports that use racquets, but it can occur in any activity that requires frequent and repetitive movements of your arm and wrist. The pain is typically localized at the site of injury, but it can radiate to your wrist and forearm. Men are more susceptible to tennis elbow than women./p>You can minimize your risk for tennis elbow by practicing proper body mechanics and reducing the time that you perform repetitive activities. Body mechanic experts, such as an occupational therapist or fitness coach, can help you modify your technique and prevent or reduce the risk of future injuries. Other strategies include making ergonomic changes to your environment, using specialized equipment and performing exercises that support the stability of your elbow.Conservative treatments for this condition include rest and OTC pain medications. You can also use a cold pack on the injury up to three times a day. There are braces that are specially designed to support your elbow and alleviate elbow strain. Applications of a numbing medication or cortisone injections may provide relief for more severe pain and inflammation. These measures are generally effective in up to 95% of patients. Tennis elbow can persist due to continued overuse of the elbow or entrapment of the radial nerve.It can take up to two years for tennis elbow to heal. Experts recommend that you should consult a physician to discuss your options if your condition is unchanged after six months to one year. Surgery may be necessary if your symptoms degrade your quality of life and don't improve after the use of conservative treatments.