Elbow Injections – Lateral / Medial Epicondyle

Wessex Pain Clinic

Elbow Injections – Lateral / Medial Epicondyle

Elbow injections are targeted treatments used to help relieve pain and inflammation around the tendons of the elbow. They are most commonly performed for conditions such as “tennis elbow” (lateral epicondylitis) and “golfer’s elbow” (medial epicondylitis). The injection is performed under ultrasound guidance by a consultant in pain medicine to ensure precision and comfort.

How the Procedure Works

Pain around the elbow often arises where the tendons that move the wrist and fingers attach to the bony prominence of the upper arm bone (the humerus). Inflammation or micro-tearing in these tendons can cause persistent discomfort, especially during gripping, lifting, or twisting movements.

During the procedure, a small amount of local anaesthetic and an anti-inflammatory steroid medication is injected into the affected tendon area. This helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote healing. In some cases, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or other regenerative options may also be discussed, depending on your specific condition and goals.

Ultrasound guidance is used to ensure accurate placement of the needle and to identify the exact area of tendon irritation.

What Conditions It Can Help With

Elbow injections may be recommended for:

Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) – pain on the outer side of the elbow

Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) – pain on the inner side of the elbow

Chronic tendon inflammation or degeneration

Pain following strain, overuse, or repetitive movement injuries

In some cases, the injection can also help confirm the source of your pain.

Aimed Benefits

The goal of the injection is to ease pain and inflammation, allowing improved grip strength and arm function. This can make it easier to return to physiotherapy, sports, or normal daily activities. The effect may develop over a few days to a couple of weeks.

What to Expect

Elbow injections are usually carried out as an outpatient procedure. Your consultant will use ultrasound guidance to target the affected area precisely. Local anaesthetic is used to keep you comfortable during the injection.
After the procedure, you will rest briefly before going home the same day. Some temporary soreness or aching at the injection site is normal before improvement begins.

Driving advice: You should not drive that day if receiving any sedation. Our procedures do vary on whether it is possible to drive home yourself. Please seek advice from your consultant about driving advice. If you are seeing us for an injection and planning to drive, please check with us beforehand about whether it will be possible to drive yourself home afterwards.

Risks and Considerations

All procedures carry some risks, which will be discussed in detail with you during your consultation. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, and formal consent will always be obtained before any procedure is carried out.

Combined Approach / Multidisciplinary Care

At Wessex Pain Clinic we find that the best results come from combining medical treatments with active rehabilitation. Procedures are often most effective when paired with physiotherapy, movement-based exercise, and — where appropriate — psychological support. This comprehensive approach addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of pain and supports longer-term improvement.

Key Points Summary

Consultant-led, image-guided injection
Targets tendon inflammation at the outer or inner elbow
Aims to reduce pain and improve function
Benefits and risks discussed during consultation
Often combined with physiotherapy and activity modification for best outcomes

Disclaimer

Results vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed. Your consultant will discuss whether this procedure is appropriate for you.

At Wessex Pain Clinic, we work as a team and meet regularly to discuss complex, treatment resistant or unusual cases. As such you will often receive the expertise of several pain consultants. We believe that we are one of very few pain clinics to offer this. Wessex Pain Clinic provides consultant-led assessment and treatment for acute and chronic pain conditions. Our multidisciplinary team includes Consultant Pain Specialists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists, offering evidence-based interventions alongside rehabilitation and self-management support. We welcome patients from across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey and Sussex, including Winchester, Basingstoke, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Chichester – with both in-clinic appointments and remote consultations available across the wider Wessex region.

Marvin Woodrow

One visit and my pain problems have been resolved. Will definitely use again if the need arises. Can recommend Dr. Tom Bloomfield as he is very professional and communicates all aspects of the procedure so that it is understandable.

Jennifer Rudder

Dr Bloomfield is amazing. He has helped me so much. He clearly lives what he does and because of that is truly engaging and listens. I am so pleased with the outcome too, I feel much more myself and have confidence that my issue will become a thing of the past. I highly recommend seeing Dr Bloomfield for any issues you may have with pain.

Evie Cox

I highly recommend Dr Bloomfield at the Wessex Pain clinic! I was referred to Dr Bloomfield after 18 months of unrelenting knee pain which had stopped me from all activities I had previously enjoyed, even simply walking my dog each day. All previous treatments had been unsuccessful in reducing my pain, but Dr Bloomfield recommended trying a nerve block to reduce my pain levels. He was incredibly gentle and compassionate during the procedure and in all consultations, and his approach to managing and treating pain from all different angles in life is refreshing! Two weeks on from the procedure and I have been able to get back to walking my dog daily and I'm very much looking forward to increasing my activity levels again now that my pain levels have dropped so significantly. I can't recommend Dr Bloomfield enough, thank you for giving me back my freedom of movement!

Roger Christie

Dr. Bloomfield was very helpful, kind and considerate. He listened, discussed concerns, explained everything and gave us time, something nowadays one does not always receive. He understood the pain I was experiencing and I am hoping that the treatment options suggested will work in the long term. The clinic itself is well presented and welcoming.

Sarah Clark

I saw Dr Bloomfield this week at Wessex Pain Clinic and was incredibly impressed by both his medical knowledge and communication skills. He was efficient, empathetic, and validating throughout the appointment. I received a copy of his clinic letter just three hours after our consultation, which was outstanding. He also shared some excellent ideas for pain management interventions that felt thoughtful and tailored to my needs. I'm a complex patient with a very complicated medical history. I would thoroughly recommend both Dr Bloomfield and Wessex Pain Clinic to anyone seeking expert and compassionate care.

Jacek Omilian

I’m really grateful to Dr Hyde for her time, clarity, and kindness during my pain management consultation. I came in worried that my ankle pain might be turning into something chronic or more serious. She took my concerns seriously, explained everything in a way I could understand, and helped me feel much more reassured. She combined medical knowledge with real empathy something I really appreciated. I left with a clear plan, including medication advice and practical steps to reduce the risk of long-term pain. This was one of the most helpful and supportive consultations I’ve ever had. Thank you.

Hannah Farrell

My treatment with Dr Hyde was exactly what I needed to help my pain. Incredible, personal service I will defiantly be back.

Wessex Pain Clinic

Dr Matt Stubbs

Consultant in Pain Medicine FRCA FFPMRCA

Dr Eleanor Hyde

Consultant in Pain Medicine FRCA FFPMRCA

Dr Tom Bloomfield

Consultant in Pain Medicine FRCA FFPMRCA

Dr Jo Harding

Consultant in Pain Medicine FRCA FFPMRCA

Wessex Pain Clinics

Elbow Injections – Lateral / Medial Epicondyle

Wessex Pain Clinic