Elbow Pain Treatment
Expert, non-surgical-first care for tennis elbow, golfer's elbow and triceps tendinitis — from India's leading upper-limb specialist.
Dr. Deepthi Nandan Reddy
Clinical Director
Apollo Hospitals, Financial District
9 AM - 5 PM (Mon-Sat)
What Causes Elbow Pain?
Elbow pain is usually caused by overuse of the tendons that attach to the elbow, not by the joint itself. The three most common conditions Dr. Reddy treats are tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and triceps tendinitis. The good news: the vast majority settle down without surgery.
Common Types of Elbow Pain
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Pain on the outer elbow from overusing the forearm extensor tendons. Common in racquet sports, painters, plumbers and desk workers.
Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Pain on the inner elbow from the forearm flexor tendons. Triggered by gripping, lifting and repetitive wrist bending.
Triceps Tendinitis
Pain at the back of the elbow where the triceps tendon attaches. Common with pushing, throwing and weight training.
Our Treatment Approach — Non-Surgical First
Dr. Reddy follows a conservative-first philosophy. Surgery is rarely needed and is only considered after several months of dedicated non-surgical treatment.
A Note on PRP & Injections
We do not routinely promote PRP (platelet-rich plasma) for elbow pain. When an injection is considered in selected, stubborn cases, its main role is to calm the inflammation around the tendon — which can indirectly give the body a better environment to heal. It is not a guaranteed cure, and most patients recover well with structured physiotherapy and time. Dr. Reddy will only recommend an injection if it is genuinely appropriate for your case.
Why Consult Dr. Deepthi Nandan Reddy
As President of the Shoulder & Elbow Society of India (SESI) with UK CCT, FRCS and Mayo Clinic training, Dr. Reddy is a dedicated upper-limb specialist — so your elbow is assessed by an expert, not a generalist.
SESI President
National leader in shoulder & elbow care
Conservative First
Surgery only when truly necessary
Frequently Asked Questions
1Does elbow pain always need surgery?
No. Around 85-90% of tennis elbow, golfer's elbow and triceps tendinitis cases settle with non-surgical treatment such as activity changes, physiotherapy and bracing. Surgery is only considered after several months of failed conservative care.
2What is the difference between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?
Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer (lateral) side of the elbow from the extensor tendons, while golfer's elbow causes pain on the inner (medial) side from the flexor tendons. Both are overuse tendon problems and both usually improve without surgery.
3Do you recommend PRP injections for elbow pain?
We do not promote PRP as a routine cure. In selected stubborn cases an injection may help mainly by reducing inflammation around the tendon, which can indirectly support healing. Most patients recover well with structured physiotherapy and time.
4When should I see a specialist for elbow pain?
See a specialist if elbow pain lasts more than a few weeks despite rest, disturbs your sleep, weakens your grip, or affects daily activities and work. Early assessment prevents the problem from becoming chronic.
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