Can Telemedicine Treat Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)?

Audience: pediatric

Lateral epicondylitis, commonly called tennis elbow, is a condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow. It happens when the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the elbow become irritated or injured, often from repetitive movements. In children and teens, it may occur from sports or activities involving repeated arm use. Telemedicine can help by allowing healthcare providers to assess symptoms, suggest exercises, and guide care without an in-person visit. However, some cases may need a physical exam or imaging tests that require a clinic visit. If pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms like numbness or swelling, seeking in-person care is important. Telemedicine is a useful first step for education and management but is not a substitute for hands-on evaluation when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening elbow pain that limits movement — seek in-person medical care promptly.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or arm — requires urgent evaluation.
• Swelling, redness, warmth, or fever around the elbow — signs of possible infection needing immediate attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Guidance on rest, ice, pain relief, and exercises.
• Education on activity modification and prevention.
• Monitoring mild to moderate symptoms over time.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring hands-on tests.
• Imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs.
• Treatment for severe pain or complications.
• Evaluation of signs of infection or nerve involvement.

What Is Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)?

Lateral epicondylitis is a condition where the tendons on the outside of the elbow become inflamed or damaged. This causes pain and tenderness, especially when lifting or gripping objects. It is often caused by repetitive motions, such as playing tennis, painting, or using a computer mouse for long periods. Though more common in adults, children and teens who do repetitive arm activities can also develop this condition.

How Can Telemedicine Help?

Through a video or phone visit, a healthcare provider can ask about your child's symptoms, watch how they move their arm, and suggest ways to reduce pain. They may recommend rest, ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, and specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the arm. Telemedicine can also provide education about avoiding activities that worsen symptoms and when to seek further care.

When Is In-Person Care Needed?

Sometimes, a healthcare provider needs to examine the elbow closely, perform physical tests, or order imaging like X-rays to rule out other problems. If your child's pain is severe, getting worse, or comes with numbness, weakness, swelling, or fever, an in-person visit is important. Telemedicine cannot perform these exams or tests but can help decide when they are necessary.

Tips for Managing Tennis Elbow at Home

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Preventing Tennis Elbow in Children

Encourage proper techniques during sports and activities. Take regular breaks to avoid overuse. Strengthening forearm muscles can help protect tendons. Using appropriate equipment and warm-up exercises may reduce the risk of injury.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the tele-visit.
• Have a parent or guardian present if needed.
• Prepare a list of symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse.
• Have a way to show your child's elbow on camera if possible.
• List any medications or treatments already tried.
• Be ready to describe your child's daily activities and sports involvement.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's advice on rest and activity changes.
• Apply ice and use pain relievers as recommended.
• Perform prescribed exercises carefully.
• Schedule follow-up visits if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek in-person care if red-flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose tennis elbow in my child?

Telemedicine can help healthcare providers understand your child's symptoms and suggest possible causes like tennis elbow. However, a full diagnosis may sometimes require an in-person exam or tests.

What exercises can help tennis elbow?

Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the forearm muscles often help. Your provider can guide you through safe exercises during a telemedicine visit.

Is tennis elbow common in children?

While more common in adults, children and teens who do repetitive arm activities or sports can also develop tennis elbow.

When should I take my child to see a doctor in person?

If your child's pain is severe, getting worse, or comes with numbness, weakness, swelling, or fever, you should seek in-person medical care promptly.

Can resting the arm completely heal tennis elbow?

Resting can help reduce pain and inflammation, but gradual exercises and activity modification are usually needed for full recovery.

Sources

1. Tennis Elbow — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) — National Library of Medicine.
4. Telehealth: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. Always seek professional evaluation for serious or worsening symptoms.