Analgesia for epicondylar tendinopathy

If analgesia is required for pain associated with epicondylar tendinopathy, oral or topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be considered; see Analgesia for soft-tissue limb conditions for recommendations.

Local corticosteroid injection may be considered instead of, or in combination with, an NSAID. Local corticosteroid injection can provide pain relief for 6 to 8 weeks. A rebound effect or worsening of symptoms after initial favourable response may occur. There is no evidence to support radiological guidance for local epicondylar corticosteroid injectionInternational Centre for Allied Health Evidence, 2016.

For principles of use and example doses of local corticosteroid injections, see Principles of using local corticosteroid injections for musculoskeletal pain.