Red flags & when to go in person for Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Audience: pediatric

Lateral Epicondylitis, often called Tennis Elbow, is a condition that causes pain around the outer part of the elbow. It happens when the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the elbow get irritated or injured, usually from repeated movements. In children and teens, this can happen from sports or activities involving gripping or lifting. Most cases improve with rest, gentle exercises, and avoiding activities that cause pain. Telemedicine can help by providing advice, monitoring symptoms, and guiding care. However, some signs mean it's important to see a healthcare provider in person. These include severe pain, swelling, numbness, or weakness in the arm. Early attention helps prevent complications and supports faster recovery. This guide helps you understand when telemedicine is suitable and when to seek in-person care for Tennis Elbow in young people.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening pain that limits movement — seek in-person evaluation promptly.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or fingers — urgent medical attention needed.
• Visible swelling, redness, or deformity around the elbow — go to a healthcare facility for assessment.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing education about symptoms and care.
• Guiding safe home exercises and activity modifications.
• Monitoring symptom progress and answering questions.
• Advising when in-person care is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examination or imaging tests.
• Treating severe pain or neurological symptoms.
• Managing complications or injuries requiring urgent care.

What is Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)?

Lateral Epicondylitis is a condition where the tendons on the outside of the elbow become irritated or inflamed. It often happens from overusing the forearm muscles, especially with repeated gripping or twisting motions. While it is called Tennis Elbow, it can affect anyone who does activities that strain the elbow, including children who play sports or do certain hobbies.

Common Symptoms in Children and Teens

Symptoms usually include pain or tenderness on the outside of the elbow. The pain may get worse when lifting, gripping, or twisting the wrist. Sometimes, the pain spreads down the forearm. Stiffness or mild swelling can also occur. These symptoms often develop gradually over time.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine visits can provide guidance on managing symptoms, suggest gentle exercises, and help identify if symptoms are improving or worsening. A healthcare provider can answer questions and recommend home care strategies. Telemedicine is useful when symptoms are mild to moderate and there are no urgent concerns.

When to See a Healthcare Provider In Person

If your child has severe pain that does not improve, noticeable swelling, numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers, weakness in the hand or wrist, or if the elbow looks deformed, it is important to get in-person care. These signs may indicate a more serious injury that needs physical examination or imaging.

Preventing and Managing Tennis Elbow

Resting the elbow and avoiding activities that cause pain can help. Applying ice may reduce discomfort. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, guided by a healthcare provider, can support healing. Using proper technique during sports or activities can prevent strain. Wearing a brace or support may also be helpful.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a family member or caregiver present if possible to help describe symptoms.
• Be ready to describe when the pain started and what activities make it worse or better.
• Prepare to show or point to where the pain is during the video call.
• List any other symptoms like numbness, swelling, or weakness.
• Have a notepad ready to write down care instructions or questions.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the recommended rest and activity modifications.
• Use ice packs on the elbow as advised to reduce pain.
• Perform any prescribed gentle exercises carefully.
• Monitor symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule a follow-up telemedicine visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek in-person care immediately if red flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

Can children get Tennis Elbow even if they don’t play tennis?

Yes. Tennis Elbow can happen to any child who uses their forearm muscles repeatedly, such as from playing other sports, musical instruments, or activities involving gripping and lifting.

How long does it take for Tennis Elbow to get better?

Recovery usually takes several weeks to a few months with proper rest and care. Following healthcare advice and avoiding activities that cause pain can help speed healing.

Is surgery ever needed for Tennis Elbow in children?

Surgery is very rare and usually only considered if symptoms do not improve after months of treatment. Most children recover well with non-surgical care.

Can telemedicine replace all visits for Tennis Elbow?

Telemedicine is helpful for many parts of care, but some situations require an in-person visit, especially if symptoms are severe or unusual.

Sources

1. Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Tennis Elbow: Overview and Treatment — National Library of Medicine.
4. Elbow Pain 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 your child has severe symptoms or red flags, please seek immediate medical attention.