Tennis Elbow Treatment in Seoul Explained in English
Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer elbow when you grip, lift or type. Most people recover without surgery, and our orthopedic surgeons in Gangnam help you get there with a clear plan.
Gangnam Nanoori Hospital, at 731 Eonju-ro near Hakdong Station (Line 7, Exit 10), treats tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) through its orthopedic Joint Center. Care usually starts with an exam and ultrasound or X-ray, then activity changes, a forearm strap and physical therapy, with image-guided injections or arthroscopic surgery for stubborn cases. English-speaking coordinators can book you by WhatsApp at +82-10-6290-9796.
What causes tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a degenerative overload of the tendon that attaches the wrist-extending muscles to the outer elbow. Despite the name, most people who get it do not play tennis. It is part of a wider group of elbow tendon problems treated at our Elbow Center.
Repetitive gripping
Tools, kitchen work, carrying bags and lifting children all load the same forearm tendon again and again.
Desk and device work
Long hours of typing or mouse use with the wrist bent upward can irritate the tendon over time.
Racket and gym sports
Poor backhand technique, a heavy racket or sudden increases in training can overload the tendon.
Age-related tendon changes
It is most common between about 30 and 50, when tendons recover more slowly from repeated strain.
Sudden increase in activity
A new job, moving house or a burst of DIY often comes just before symptoms start.
Weak supporting muscles
Weakness in the forearm, shoulder or upper back can shift extra load onto the elbow tendon.
Tennis elbow symptoms
Symptoms usually build up gradually over weeks rather than after a single injury.
Common symptoms
- Pain or burning on the outer elbow
- Pain that spreads down the forearm
- Weak grip, such as dropping a cup
- Pain when shaking hands or turning a doorknob
- Tenderness over the bony bump on the outer elbow
- Morning stiffness in the elbow or forearm
Seek care urgently if you have
- A deformed or very swollen elbow after a fall
- A hot, red elbow with fever
- Numbness or weakness in your hand that is getting worse
- Inability to bend or straighten the elbow
These signs point to something other than simple tennis elbow; in a life-threatening emergency in Korea, call 119.
Tingling in the ring and little fingers is not typical of tennis elbow and may point to cubital tunnel syndrome.
How tennis elbow is diagnosed
Diagnosis is mainly clinical. Your surgeon presses on the tendon and tests your grip and wrist movements against resistance. Imaging is used to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other causes.
| Test | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Physical exam | Tenderness at the outer elbow and pain when lifting the wrist or middle finger against resistance |
| X-ray | Rules out arthritis, calcium deposits or old fractures |
| Ultrasound | Tendon thickening, small tears and blood flow changes, viewed in real time |
| MRI | Tendon tears, ligament damage or joint problems in unclear or long-lasting cases |
Many people do not need an MRI. Your surgeon will explain why a test is or is not useful for you.
Tennis elbow treatment options
Tennis elbow often improves on its own within months to a year, but the right care can make recovery smoother. We start with the simplest options.
Relative rest and activity changes
Reduce painful gripping and lifting, lift with palms up, and adjust your desk, tools or racket rather than stopping all activity.
Strap, brace and pain relief
A counterforce strap below the elbow can ease load on the tendon. Ice and short courses of pain relievers may help.
Physical therapy
Our therapists guide progressive forearm strengthening and stretching, which is one of the most effective long-term treatments.
Image-guided injection
For persistent pain, an ultrasound-guided injection may be considered. Steroid injections can relieve pain short term but are used cautiously.
Surgery for stubborn cases
If symptoms last six to twelve months despite good care, arthroscopic or open release and repair of the damaged tendon may be offered.
From inflamed tendon to healed tendon
With the right load and time, an irritated tendon can remodel and become stronger again.
Simplified medical illustration for education only, not a patient image. Results vary by condition and individual; your specialist will explain what to expect for your case.
Your Specialists
Care at this clinic is provided by Nanoori Joint Center orthopedic surgeons. Tap a doctor to see their full profile.
Common Questions
How long does tennis elbow take to heal?
Many people improve within a few months, though some cases take up to a year or longer. Consistent strengthening exercises and avoiding repeated overload usually speed things up.
Should I stop playing tennis or going to the gym?
You usually do not need to stop completely. Reduce the activities that cause sharp pain, check your technique and equipment, and build back gradually as your therapist advises.
Are steroid injections a good idea for tennis elbow?
Steroid injections can ease pain for a few weeks, but research suggests they may not help long-term results and repeated injections can weaken tissue. Your surgeon will discuss whether an injection makes sense for you.
Can I start treatment in Seoul and continue at home?
Yes. Many visitors have an assessment and therapy plan here and continue exercises at home. Our coordinators can provide records and imaging in English for your doctor back home.
Will my insurance cover treatment?
Foreign residents enrolled in Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS) can use it here. For international insurance, we provide billing documents so you can file a claim; coverage depends on your policy.
Is it tennis elbow or something else?
Pain on the inner elbow is more likely golfer's elbow, and finger tingling suggests a nerve problem. See our Elbow Center overview for other causes.
Get your tennis elbow checked in English
Message our international coordinators on WhatsApp at +82-10-6290-9796 to book a visit in Gangnam.
Related Care
Last updated October 2026. This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Contact us · Gangnam Nanoori Hospital home
