How to prepare for a video visit about Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Audience: pediatric

Lateral Epicondylitis, commonly called Tennis Elbow, is a condition where the outer part of the elbow becomes sore and tender, often due to overuse or repetitive movements. It can affect children who play sports or do activities that strain the elbow. Preparing for a video visit about this condition helps you get the most out of your appointment. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about symptoms, watch how the elbow moves, and may suggest ways to reduce pain and improve healing. While telemedicine can offer advice and guidance, some cases may need an in-person exam or tests. This guide helps you understand what to expect, how to prepare, and when to seek urgent care. Remember, this information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe elbow pain or swelling — seek emergency care immediately.
• Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers — contact healthcare provider promptly.
• Inability to move the elbow or hand — get urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and history of elbow pain.
• Guiding gentle exercises and pain relief strategies.
• Providing advice on activity modification and rest.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical tests or imaging studies.
• Diagnosing complex or severe injuries.
• Providing hands-on treatments like injections or physical therapy.

What is Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)?

Lateral Epicondylitis is an irritation or small injury to the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It often happens from repeating the same arm movements, like swinging a racket or throwing a ball. Kids who do sports or activities that use the arm a lot may get this pain. It usually causes soreness, tenderness, and sometimes weakness in the elbow and forearm.

How a Video Visit Can Help

During a video visit, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, such as when the pain started and what makes it worse. They may ask you to show how you move your elbow and arm. This helps them understand the problem and suggest ways to ease the pain. They might recommend rest, gentle exercises, or ways to protect your elbow during activities.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do

Telemedicine can often help by providing advice, answering questions, and guiding simple care steps. However, it cannot perform physical tests, imaging (like X-rays), or treatments that require hands-on care. If your symptoms are severe or not improving, an in-person visit may be needed.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet. Have a family member or helper nearby if needed. Wear comfortable clothes that let you move your arm easily. Be ready to describe your pain, when it started, and what activities affect it. Have a list of any medicines or treatments you have tried.

When to Seek Immediate Care

If you notice sudden severe pain, swelling, numbness, or inability to move your arm or hand, seek emergency medical care. These signs may mean a more serious injury that needs urgent attention.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with good internet connection for your video visit.
• Wear clothing that allows easy movement of your arm and elbow.
• Have a family member or helper nearby if possible to assist during the visit.
• Prepare to describe your symptoms clearly: when they started, what makes them better or worse.
• List any treatments or medicines you have tried for your elbow pain.
• Have a device ready that can show your elbow well on camera during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on rest and activity modification.
• Perform any recommended gentle exercises or stretches as instructed.
• Use pain relief methods suggested, such as ice or over-the-counter medicines.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Schedule a follow-up appointment if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek in-person care if you experience red flag symptoms.

FAQs

What causes Tennis Elbow in children?

Tennis Elbow in children is often caused by repetitive movements or overuse of the arm, such as playing sports like tennis, baseball, or activities that strain the elbow tendons.

Can a video visit diagnose Tennis Elbow?

A video visit can help a healthcare provider understand your symptoms and suggest if Tennis Elbow is likely. However, sometimes an in-person exam or tests are needed for a full diagnosis.

How can I reduce pain at home?

Resting the elbow, avoiding activities that cause pain, applying ice packs, and doing gentle stretches can often help reduce pain. Your provider may give specific advice during your visit.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If your pain is severe, if you have numbness or weakness, or if symptoms do not improve with initial care, you should see a healthcare provider in person for further evaluation.

Is Tennis Elbow serious for children?

Tennis Elbow is usually not serious and often improves with rest and care. However, if left untreated, it can cause ongoing discomfort and affect arm use.

Sources

1. Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Tennis Elbow — Mayo Clinic.
3. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) — National Library of Medicine.
4. Overuse Injuries in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your health or symptoms, please consult a healthcare professional in person.