What happens after a telemedicine visit for Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, you will typically receive guidance on managing pain and improving arm function at home. Your healthcare provider may suggest rest, ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, and specific exercises to help reduce inflammation and strengthen your forearm muscles. You might also get advice on modifying activities that worsen your symptoms. Follow-up appointments could be scheduled to monitor your progress. If symptoms persist or worsen, in-person evaluation may be necessary for further testing or treatments such as physical therapy or injections. Telemedicine is a helpful way to start care and get education but may not replace hands-on examination or advanced treatments. Always watch for warning signs like severe pain, numbness, or weakness, which need urgent care. This guide helps you understand what to expect after your telemedicine visit and how to take care of your arm safely.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe elbow pain or swelling — seek emergency medical care immediately.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand or fingers — contact your healthcare provider promptly.
• Redness, warmth, or fever around the elbow area indicating possible infection — seek urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms and history for tennis elbow.
• Providing education on condition and self-care strategies.
• Guidance on over-the-counter pain management and activity modification.
• Demonstrating and prescribing home exercises for symptom relief.
• Monitoring symptom progress through follow-up virtual visits.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a hands-on physical examination to assess severity.
• Ordering or interpreting imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
• Administering injections or other in-person treatments.
• Diagnosing complications such as nerve involvement or infections requiring urgent care.
• Managing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms needing emergency intervention.

Understanding Your Diagnosis

Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, is a condition where the tendons on the outside of your elbow become irritated or inflamed. It often happens due to repetitive motions or overuse of the forearm muscles. Your telemedicine provider will explain this condition and discuss how it may be affecting your daily activities.

Common Recommendations After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your provider may suggest several steps to help you recover:

These steps often help reduce pain and improve function over time.

When to Expect Follow-Up Care

Your healthcare provider might schedule follow-up telemedicine visits to check your progress. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse after a few weeks, an in-person visit may be recommended. This can help your provider perform a physical exam, order imaging tests if needed, or discuss other treatments such as physical therapy or injections.

How to Manage Your Symptoms at Home

Managing tennis elbow involves:

Consistent care often leads to improvement within a few weeks to months.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Certain symptoms require urgent evaluation:

If you experience these, seek emergency care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have your medical history and symptom details ready to discuss.
• Prepare a list of current medications and supplements.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a way to show your elbow area on camera if needed.
• Write down questions or concerns to discuss with your provider.
• Test your device and internet connection before the appointment.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the care plan and exercise instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Use ice and over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended.
• Modify activities to avoid worsening symptoms.
• Attend any scheduled follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits.
• Monitor your symptoms and report any worsening or new signs promptly.
• Seek urgent care if you experience red flags such as severe pain or numbness.

FAQs

Can telemedicine fully treat tennis elbow?

Telemedicine can help with initial assessment, education, and guiding self-care for tennis elbow. However, some cases may require in-person evaluation for physical exams, imaging, or treatments like physical therapy or injections.

What exercises can I do at home for tennis elbow?

Your provider may suggest gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for your forearm muscles. These often include wrist extensions and flexion stretches. It's important to follow instructions carefully to avoid worsening symptoms.

How long does it take to recover from tennis elbow?

Recovery time varies but often takes several weeks to months with proper care. Consistent rest, exercise, and activity modification can help speed healing.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If your symptoms do not improve after a few weeks, worsen, or if you develop severe pain, numbness, weakness, or signs of infection, an in-person evaluation is recommended.

Are pain medications safe to use?

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are generally safe when used as directed. Always discuss with your provider if you have other health conditions or take other medications.

Sources

1. Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Tennis Elbow: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment — National Library of Medicine.
4. Managing Musculoskeletal Conditions via Telemedicine — Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns or worsening symptoms, please seek evaluation from a healthcare professional in person.