Steroid Injection for Tennis Elbow
Ultrasound guided steroid (cortisone) injections for tennis elbow pain, delivered by a GMC registered doctor in Manchester and Burnley.
Fast, targeted relief from pain and inflammation. No GP referral required.
CQC Regulated Clinic
Ultrasound Guided Procedure
No GP Referral Required
Manchester and Burnley Clinic
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr Amir Akhtar
GMC registered doctor & GOsC registered osteopath · Updated September 2026
INTRO
Fast, Targeted Relief from Tennis Elbow Pain
Curious if steroid injections can ease tennis elbow pain? This page explains how a steroid injection for tennis elbow can provide quick relief from pain and inflammation, how the procedure works at MyMSK Clinic, and what results you can realistically expect.
Throughout this article we use the terms steroid, cortisone and corticosteroid interchangeably — they refer to the same injected therapeutic substance.
If persistent tennis elbow pain is limiting your ability to grip, lift or work, an ultrasound guided steroid injection offers a non-surgical route to rapid pain relief. The procedure takes minutes, targets the affected area directly, and most patients notice reduced elbow pain within a few days.
Key Points
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is caused by repetitive arm movements leading to tendon irritation and inflammation — it affects anyone doing these activities, not just athletes.
- Steroid injections provide quick, reliable pain relief in tennis elbow.
- At MyMSK Clinic all injections are ultrasound guided and low dose, which we find gives better and longer lasting results.
- Pairing the injection with rehabilitation gives the best chance of lasting improvement.
- Longer-term options such as PRP and prolotherapy are also available if they suit you better.
80%
We find around 80% of patients report pain relief after having a Cortisone Injection at MyMSK Clinic.
45 Minutes
At MyMSK Clinic the consultation and Cortisone Injection is usually done within 45-60 Minutes.
2 - 7 Days
Many patients report experiencing pain relief within 4-7 days however it can take up to 14 days.
Understanding Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that many athletes and non-athletes alike may experience. It often arises from a sudden increase in forearm use, leading to inflammation of the tendons due to overuse or repetitive motions. These motions are typically seen in sports like tennis, hence the name, but can also occur in everyday activities. The primary muscles affected are responsible for wrist and finger extension, with inflammation occurring near the outside of the elbow at the lateral epicondyle.
Understanding the root cause is crucial for effective treatment. Repetitive strain on the tendons around the elbow joint can lead to small tears and inflammation, causing significant discomfort and pain. It is not just tennis players who are at risk; anyone involved in activities requiring repetitive arm movements can develop this condition.
Proper technique and equipment can make a significant difference. Whether you play tennis, golf, or engage in other sports, being mindful of how you use your arm and wrist can help prevent the onset of lateral epicondylitis. A well-fitted racket with a proper grip can also reduce the risk.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
The main symptom of tennis elbow is persistent pain around the elbow joint that can make even simple tasks feel excruciating. The pain often radiates from the outside of the elbow down to the forearm and wrist, making activities like gripping objects or shaking hands particularly painful. The discomfort can be intense enough that writing or lifting a cup of coffee becomes a painful task.
Tennis elbow should not be confused with medial epicondylitis, commonly known as golfer’s elbow, which affects the inside of the elbow. While both conditions involve irritation of the tendons, the pain distribution differs. Early identification of these symptoms can lead to more effective treatment.
If you experience persistent elbow pain, especially after repetitive wrist and arm movements, seek medical advice to confirm whether you have tennis elbow and to explore treatment options.
Pain on Gripping
Holding a kettle, turning a door handle or shaking hands provokes sharp pain on the outer elbow.
Tenderness over the Bone
Pressing the bony lump on the outside of the elbow reproduces your pain.
Pain Radiating into the Forearm
Discomfort travels from the elbow down towards the wrist.
Weakness in the Hand
Objects feel harder to hold and you may drop things unexpectedly.
Not sure if it's tennis elbow?
A consultation with an ultrasound scan confirms the diagnosis before any treatment is recommended. Same-week appointments in Manchester and Burnley.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosing Tennis Elbow
Diagnosing tennis elbow typically involves taking the patient’s medical history and conducting a physical examination. During the physical exam, the doctor may apply pressure to the affected area and ask you to move your elbow, wrist and fingers in various ways to assess pain and discomfort.
One of the hallmark signs of tennis elbow is tenderness on the outer part of the elbow, often coupled with pain that radiates from the elbow to the wrist. Patients may also find it difficult to hold objects firmly. These signs, combined with your activity history, provide significant clues for diagnosis.
Where pain is severe or has not improved with initial treatment, imaging such as ultrasound, X-ray or MRI can rule out other conditions. This helps ensure the pain is not caused by other issues such as arthritis, a bone fracture or a radial collateral ligament injury.
An ultrasound scan confirms the diagnosis by revealing tendon thickening, small tears and increased blood flow at the extensor carpi radialis brevis origin. This imaging step identifies the precise location and severity of tendon change, which guides the injection approach.
Accurate diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment and sets the stage for the role of cortisone injections in managing tennis elbow.
TREATMENT
Steroid Injections for Tennis Elbow
Cortisone injections are a common and effective treatment for managing the pain associated with tennis elbow. These injections provide quick pain relief and improved function, making them a valuable option for those struggling with persistent symptoms.
One of the significant benefits of steroid injections is their ability to deliver rapid relief from pain, which is particularly valuable for people who need to keep working, sleeping and functioning normally while the elbow recovers.
These injections are effective due to their potent anti-inflammatory properties. Cortisone reduces swelling and discomfort in the elbow tendons by calming the body’s inflammatory response.
ULTRASOUND – GUIDED
How Cortisone Injections Work
Corticosteroid injections target inflammation directly at the site of pain, helping to reduce swelling and discomfort. This in turn reduces pain around the elbow. Delivered straight to the lateral epicondyle, the medication acts locally rather than throughout the body, giving a higher concentration exactly where it is needed with lower systemic exposure than tablets.
This targeted approach makes cortisone highly effective at relieving the pain and swelling associated with tennis elbow.
Importantly, a cortisone injection creates a window of opportunity. By taking the pain down, it allows you to engage properly with physiotherapy and rehabilitation, which helps loading and strengthening the tendon so the improvement is consolidated rather than temporary. Patients who use that window well tend to get the most out of the injection.
What to Expect on the Day
At My MSK Clinic, from start to finish, the process takes approximately 45-60 minutes. This includes the consultation and examination and also the same day injection if suitable.
STEP 1
Assessment and Diagnosis
Your clinician begins with a consultation to assess your elbow, review your medical history and confirm whether a steroid injection is suitable for you. Clinical testing looks for pain over the lateral epicondyle, pain on resisted wrist and middle finger extension, and grip weakness. An ultrasound scan confirms the diagnosis and rules out other causes such as radial tunnel syndrome, elbow arthritis or referred pain from the shoulder.
STEP 2
The Injection
The skin is cleaned with antiseptic solution and a local anaesthetic is used to numb the area and minimise discomfort during the procedure.
The clinician watches the tendon in real time using the ultrasound scanner, and uses an in-plane needle approach to deliver the cortisone and local anaesthetic precisely to the affected area.A more accurate injection is more likely to work. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes.
STEP 3
Aftercare and Rehab
Rest the elbow for a day or two, apply ice (frozen peas wrapped in a cloth work well) and avoid activities that load the wrist extensors. Some soreness at the injection site is normal in the first 24–48 hours before the anti-inflammatory effect takes over.
Most patients return to normal daily activities the next day, with heavier gripping, lifting and sport reintroduced gradually over the following 2–4 weeks.
Other Treatments for Tennis Elbow
Physiotherapy focuses on exercises that improve strength and flexibility, and consistently produces good long-term results. We recommend rehabilitation alongside injection treatment rather than instead of it.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use your own blood platelets to deliver growth factors to the damaged tendon, and have gained recognition for good long-term pain relief and functional improvement. PRP compares favourably with corticosteroid injections over longer follow-up periods and may require a course of treatments. Read more about PRP.
BENEFITS
Benefits of a Steroid Injection for Tennis Elbow
Steroid injections are one of the fastest-acting treatments available for tennis elbow pain. At MyMSK Clinic we use them to help you get back to work, sport and daily life.
Fast Pain Relief
The local anaesthetic gives immediate relief, and the anti-inflammatory effect builds over the following day, often after months of discomfort.
Targets Inflammation at the Source
Unlike tablets, cortisone is delivered directly to the inflamed tissue at the elbow for maximum local effect and minimal systemic exposure.
Restores Grip and Daily Function
Gripping, lifting and turning become manageable again, so you can work and sleep properly.
Minimally Invasive and Quick
Performed in a standard clinic appointment. No hospital stay, no incision, no general anaesthetic.
COST
How Much Does a Tennis Elbow Steroid Injection Cost in Manchester?
From
£290
Per Injection
The Cost of ultrasound guided injections vary across the UK. At My MSK Clinic we believe in a transparent pricing system.Â
Our prices vary depending on the type of injection, however Cortisone Injections for Tennis Elbow are priced at £290 per injection. All injections at My MSK Clinic are performed under ultrasound guidance.Â
For more information on how much a specific injection costs please visit our pricing page →
If you are considering an Ultrasound Guided Tennis Elbow Injection, book a consult with us at My MSK Injection Clinic Manchester. The Doctor will perform a thorough examination and suggest whether an Injection is suitable for you. No GP Referral required.
What's Included in the Cost?
✔ Consultation with Dr Akhtar
✔ Ultrasound Scan and examination
✔ Local Anaesthetic to ensure Comfort throughout the Procedure
✔ Any on-the-day Medications
✔ The Ultrasound Guided Tennis Elbow Injection
WHY MYMSK
Why Choose My MSK Clinic?
Ultrasound Accuracy
All our injections are done under Ultrasound Guidance.
Same Day Option
Diagnosis and Injections usually done at same appointment
No Waiting List
You can Self Refer directly to MyMSK Clinic – No Referral required.
OUR CLINICS
Where We Offer Tennis Elbow Injections and Treatment
We treat patients at two clinics in the North West. Easy to reach for Greater Manchester, Wilmslow, Cheshire, Bolton, Oldham and the wider Lancashire area.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an inflammatory condition affecting the tendons on the outside of the elbow, commonly resulting from overuse or repetitive motions. It is important to address this condition to prevent further discomfort and limitation in activities.
How quickly will I feel pain relief after the injection?
The local anaesthetic in the injection often gives immediate relief for the first few hours. The cortisone itself builds over the following days — many patients report meaningful relief within 2–7 days, though it can take up to 14 days for the full effect.
How long do the effects last?
This varies from person to person. Relief commonly lasts from several weeks to several months. In our clinical experience, image guided low dose injections combined with a proper rehabilitation programme give the best and longest lasting results — the injection settles the pain, and the rehab is what consolidates it.
If symptoms return, we will reassess and discuss the most appropriate next step for you rather than automatically repeating the injection.
Are there any side effects or risks to consider?
Soreness at the injection site for 24–48 hours is common. Less common effects include thinning or lightening of the skin at the site. Infection is rare. Repeated high dose unguided injections carry a risk of tendon damage, which is why we use image guided low dose technique and limit the number of injections at any one site. Patients with diabetes should monitor blood glucose for a few days afterwards.
How can I prevent tennis elbow?
Engage in forearm strength training, use appropriate equipment, adopt ergonomic practices at work, and get guidance on proper technique. These measures reduce the risk of injury effectively.
Considering a Steroid Injection for Tennis Elbow in Manchester?
Ultrasound-guided. No GP referral needed. 7 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly.
PAGE MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY DR AMIR AKHTAR AUGUST 2026
Dr Amir Akhtar
Our Reviews
certification
GMC Registered Doctor and CQC Regulated Clinic
