Does cortisone injection treat tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow, also called lateral elbow tendinopathy, affects the tendons that attach forearm muscles to the outer elbow. Cortisone can reduce local inflammation and pain, which may make daily movement easier. The medicine does not rebuild tendon tissue or correct the repeated loading that contributed to the problem.

Pain relief can sometimes make it tempting to resume gripping or lifting too quickly. A clinician may combine symptom control with a gradual strengthening plan so the tendon is loaded in a measured way.

Have the diagnosis checked if outer-elbow pain lasts, limits grip, or interferes with work. Discuss rest from aggravating tasks, an adjusted grip or tool, physiotherapy, and a progressive exercise programme. Ask specifically how long to modify activity after a Cortisone Injection and how follow-up will be arranged.

Use pain as a guide: reduce movements that sharply worsen symptoms, but avoid keeping the elbow completely still unless a clinician advises it. Record which tasks provoke pain and whether grip strength is changing.

Seek prompt care for sudden loss of grip or arm function, major swelling, redness with fever, or severe pain after an injection. Assessment is also needed when pain follows a significant injury or when numbness and weakness extend into the hand.

Ask whether the pain is coming from the tendon or another elbow problem, what benefit the injection is expected to offer, and which exercises can rebuild tolerance without provoking a flare.