Pain on the outer side of the elbow when you lift a cup, turn a key, shake hands or use a screwdriver is the classic picture of tennis elbow. Despite its name, most people who get it have never played tennis: it comes from repeated gripping and wrist movements at work, in the kitchen or at a keyboard. This guide explains the symptoms, causes and warning signs of tennis elbow, what helps, and the homeopathic medicines traditionally considered, along with how our specialists approach each person.
Wondering which of these medicines is right for you?
Every person with tennis elbow is different, and so is the medicine that works best for them. To discover the best-suited homeopathic medicines for tennis elbow for you, consult our experts. They will study your symptoms, your past treatment history and your personality, and then find the homeopathy medicines that suit you best.
Call +91 8080 850 950 for a 1:1 personal consultation with our experts today.
Tennis Elbow: quick answers
- What is it? Pain and inflammation of the tendons on the outer side of the elbow caused by overuse, also called lateral epicondylitis.
- Main symptoms: Pain on the outer elbow that spreads down the forearm, weak grip and pain on lifting or twisting.
- Common causes: Repeated gripping and wrist movements, racket sports, computer work and heavy manual tasks.
- What helps: Rest from the aggravating activity, stretches, strengthening exercises and a brace.
- Our approach: Meet our specialists for your personal best homeopathic remedy and a plan that supports your recovery.
About tennis elbow
The muscles that extend the wrist and fingers attach to a bony point on the outer side of the elbow through a tendon. Repeated strain causes tiny tears and degeneration of this tendon, which becomes painful and tender.
Tennis elbow typically affects people between 30 and 50. Most cases settle within months, although it can last longer, and the key is to protect the tendon from repeated strain while gently strengthening it.
Common symptoms of tennis elbow
Symptoms vary from person to person. Common ones include:
- Pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow
- Pain that spreads down the forearm towards the wrist
- A weak grip, and difficulty holding a cup, pen or tool
- Pain on lifting, twisting a door handle or shaking hands
- Pain on straightening the wrist or fingers against resistance
- Stiffness of the elbow in the morning
- Aching at night in more severe cases
- A burning feeling on the outer elbow
Causes and risk factors of tennis elbow
There is rarely a single cause. Factors that may contribute include:
- Repeated gripping, wrist twisting and lifting
- Racket sports, especially with poor technique
- Prolonged keyboard or mouse use
- Manual work such as painting, plumbing and carpentry
- Age between 30 and 50
- A sudden increase in activity
- An unsuitable grip size of tools or rackets
- Previous elbow injury
Warning signs and when to get urgent help
Please see a doctor promptly if there is:
- Pain after a fall or a blow to the elbow
- A hot, red, swollen elbow, with fever
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the hand or fingers
- An elbow that locks or cannot be fully straightened
- Pain that continues for many weeks despite rest and exercise
Homeopathic medicines for tennis elbow
The medicines below are commonly considered in homeopathy for tennis elbow, with the symptom picture traditionally associated with each. They are listed for general information, not as a prescription.
(1) Rhus toxicodendron: Stiffness and pain that are worse on first movement after rest and in cold damp weather, and better with continued movement and warmth.
(2) Ruta graveolens: Bruised, sore tendons and a feeling of lameness after strain or overuse, with tenderness at the attachment to the bone.
(3) Arnica montana: A bruised, sore feeling after a sprain or strain, with a fear of being touched.
(4) Bryonia alba: Pain that is worse on the least movement and relieved by rest and firm pressure.
(5) Calcarea carbonica: Elbow pain in chilly, easily tired people, worse from cold damp weather and exertion.
(6) Sulphur: A burning feeling with stiffness of the joints and a tendency to skin troubles.
(7) Causticum: Stiffness and tension of the tendons with a sensation of rawness, worse in cold dry weather.
(8) Pulsatilla: Wandering pains that are worse from heat and rest and better in the open air, in mild and weepy people.
(9) Magnesia phosphorica: Shooting, cramping pain that is relieved by warmth and pressure.
(10) Ledum palustre: Pain and swelling of the joints that is relieved by cold applications, with a tendency to the pain moving upwards.
Homeopathic treatment of tennis elbow at Welling Homeopathy
These are only basic indications – many more homeopathic medicines are used for tennis elbow, and the right one is chosen after detailed case-taking by an experienced doctor.
Homeopathy is offered here as individualised, supportive care alongside your current treatment. Reliable scientific evidence that homeopathy treats tennis elbow is limited, so it should not replace a medical diagnosis or any treatment your doctor considers necessary. Please do not stop, skip or change any prescribed medicine on your own; any change should be discussed with the doctor who prescribed it and with our specialists.
Meet our specialists to find your personal best homeopathic remedy and a care plan that supports your recovery. Please do not delay: the earlier you begin, the better. Read about our homeopathic care for tennis elbow, contact a Welling clinic or call +91 80 80 850 950 for a consultation in person or online.
Self-care and lifestyle tips
These measures support general health and may ease symptoms, but they do not replace treatment when it is needed.
- Rest from the activity that brings on the pain, but keep the arm gently moving.
- Apply an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes for acute pain, and warmth for stiffness.
- Learn wrist and forearm stretches and gradual strengthening exercises from a physiotherapist.
- Use a tennis elbow strap or brace, as advised, while doing activities that aggravate the pain.
- Check your technique and equipment, with an appropriate racket and tool grip size, and set up your keyboard and mouse ergonomically.
- Return to activity gradually, and avoid repeated forceful gripping.
Frequently asked questions about tennis elbow
1. What is the best homeopathic medicine for tennis elbow?
There is no single best medicine. Rhus toxicodendron, Ruta graveolens, Arnica and Bryonia are among those traditionally considered, but the right one depends on your symptoms and general health. Please consult our specialists rather than self-prescribing.
2. How long does tennis elbow last?
Most cases improve within six months to a year with rest, exercise and treatment, although some last longer. Early care and avoiding repeated strain help recovery.
3. Can homeopathy help tennis elbow?
Homeopathy is offered as supportive care to ease pain and stiffness alongside rest and exercises. Results vary and reliable evidence is limited.
4. Do I have to stop all activity?
No. You need to avoid the movements that aggravate the pain, but gentle movement and gradual strengthening help the tendon to recover.
5. Are steroid injections a good idea?
They may give short-term relief but can slow recovery and the pain often returns. Your doctor can discuss when they are suitable.
6. What is the difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?
Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer side of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inner side. Both are overuse tendon problems.
7. How do I book a consultation?
Call +91 80 80 850 950 to book a 1:1 consultation at a Welling clinic or online.
Related Reading
- Treatment of Tennis Elbow
- Complete Pain Relief – Tennis Elbow
- 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Pain in Hands and Fingers
More guides on bones, joints and muscles
- 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis
- 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Frozen Shoulder
- 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Osteoporosis
- 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Sciatica
To consult Welling Homeopathy experts, call +91 80 80 850 950.
Disclaimer: this page is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary from person to person.
