The best, most effective treatment for lateral epicondylitis, otherwise known as “tennis elbow” remains unknown. Many things have been tried including antiinflammatory drugs, exercise, bracing or splinting, injection therapy, and surgery. Short-term pain relief may be obtained but no long-term benefit has been reported.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a relatively new treatment approach to consider. PRP refers to a sample of serum (blood) plasma that has as much as four times more than the normal amount of platelets and growth factors. This treatment enhances the body’s natural ability to heal itself. PRP is used to improve healing and shorten recovery time from acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
In a recent study from Denmark, the results of three different types of treatment were compared on 60 patients who had lateral epicondylitis. Painful symptoms along the outside of the elbow (and diagnosed as tennis elbow) had been present for more than three months for each person in the study. Twenty patients received a single injection of platelet-rich plasma, 20 received an injection of saline (salt water for a placebo treatment), and 20 people got a steroid injection. Change in pain was the main outcome measured.
One surgeon performed all of the procedures. In each case, the physician knew what type of injection was being given but the patients did not. In fact, they were blindfolded during the treatment. Results were measured at three, six, and 12 months after treatment using an ultrasound test of tendon thickness and pain intensity. Function was also evaluated by having the patients fill out a survey called the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE).
The authors reported a very high dropout rate from this study in the first three months. The patients said they left the study because the treatment didn’t work. At the end of 12 months, only 16 or the original 60 patients were still participating. Their overall findings are summarized below:
The authors concluded that their study repeated what other studies have shown regarding steroid injections: they provide early pain relief but have a thinning effect on the soft tissues (skin and tendon). Results using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) were not as favorable as has been reported in other studies. In this study, PRP wasn’t any better than a placebo treatment. And so, the search for a successful treatment for tennis elbow continues.
Some people do get relief from the treatment approaches described above. So it’s worth trying one or several techniques. It’s just that there isn’t one known way to treat tennis elbow that consistently works for everyone. Consult with your physician and/or physical therapist for what might help you get started in looking for some pain relief so you can stay active. With a little trial and error, you may hit upon the best treatment or combination of approaches that works for you!