I took up archery last year for the first time at age 33. I quickly developed tennis elbow that hasn’t gone away. It’s been almost 9 months. Is this typical?

Most people with epicondylitis or “tennis elbow” report symptoms for an average of six months up to two years. This depends on a number of different factors. Patients in good health and fitness level may recovery more quickly.

Anyone continuing with work activities or sports that put a strain on the tendons at the elbow may have more problems. Healing is delayed when tendons of the forearm muscles tear from overuse. These tiny tears cause microtrauma and a cycle of bleeding, inflammation, scarring, and tearing. Stopping this cycle is the goal of treatment.