What medicines can and can't do
Medicines can make pain more manageable, which may help you sleep, work and keep up with an exercise program. They don't change the underlying overload on the tendon, so most care plans combine them with activity changes and guided exercise. See our overview of tennis elbow treatment options.
Over-the-counter pain relievers
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
MedlinePlus, OrthoInfo and Cleveland Clinic all list non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen among treatment options for tennis elbow. They are not suitable for everyone. MedlinePlus warns that NSAIDs may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke and can cause stomach ulcers or bleeding. It also advises telling your doctor if you take blood thinners, aspirin, other NSAIDs or certain antidepressants, and not taking ibuprofen around or after 20 weeks of pregnancy unless a doctor tells you to. For non-prescription use, MedlinePlus advises calling your doctor if pain lasts more than 10 days.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Cleveland Clinic and OrthoInfo also list acetaminophen as an option for pain. MedlinePlus warns that too much acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage. Never take more than the label allows, count acetaminophen from all the products you use, and ask your doctor about alcohol.
Is ibuprofen or naproxen better for tennis elbow?
The sources we checked list both as options without recommending one over the other for tennis elbow. A pharmacist can help you choose based on your health and other medicines.
Gels, creams and rubs
| Type | Examples | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-inflammatory gel | Diclofenac gel, ibuprofen gel | The NHS suggests rubbing an anti-inflammatory gel onto the area. In the US, the over-the-counter 1% diclofenac gel is labeled for arthritis pain. MedlinePlus warns it can still carry heart, stroke and stomach-bleeding risks, and says not to apply it to broken skin, to wash your hands afterwards, and not to cover the area or apply heat to it. The NHS warns that ibuprofen gel is flammable, so don't smoke or go near naked flames after using it. |
| Cooling or warming rubs | Menthol or camphor products | Some people find the cooling or warming sensation soothing. We found no tennis elbow guidance on them in the sources we checked. Don't use them with heat packs or under tight wraps. |
| Numbing patches and creams | Lidocaine products | Some people use them for surface pain. Ask a pharmacist whether they suit you. |
| Salicylate rubs | "Muscle rub" products | Related to aspirin, so people who are allergic to aspirin or take blood thinners should check with a pharmacist first. |
| Herbal and homeopathic creams | Arnica and similar | We found no guidance supporting them for tennis elbow in the sources we checked. |
Always apply creams to unbroken skin, and stop if you notice a rash or irritation.
Prescription medicines
The NHS notes that a GP may prescribe anti-inflammatory tablets. The other medicines people often ask about are not among the tennis elbow treatments listed by Cleveland Clinic, the NHS, MedlinePlus or OrthoInfo:
- Oral steroids (such as prednisone) carry side effects and should only be used if a clinician prescribes them for you.
- Muscle relaxants should only be taken if prescribed for you.
- Nerve pain medicines (such as gabapentin) are prescribed only for specific situations.
- Injections are covered in our guide to cortisone shots, PRP and surgery.
Supplements and home remedies
Many supplements are promoted for joints and tendons. None of them appear among the tennis elbow treatments listed by the major medical sources we checked.
- Glucosamine: the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says studies in osteoarthritis have had inconsistent results. Its page doesn't cover tendons or tennis elbow. Glucosamine may raise blood sugar in some people and has been linked with a higher bleeding risk in people taking warfarin.
- Turmeric (curcumin): NCCIH says "we don't know enough to definitively conclude" whether it's beneficial for any health purpose. Some highly absorbable curcumin products may harm the liver, and turmeric supplements may be unsafe in pregnancy.
- CBD products: NCCIH notes that only one CBD product is FDA-approved, for rare forms of epilepsy. Over-the-counter products may contain more or less CBD than their labels say, and CBD has been linked with liver injury and drug interactions.
- Castor oil packs, essential oils, collagen, and copper or magnetic bracelets: we found no good-quality evidence for tennis elbow. If you try a product on your skin, do a small patch test first.
The FDA notes that supplement makers are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before they go on sale. The FDA can act against unsafe products once they are on the market. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any supplements you take.
Safety checklist
Before using any pain reliever, cream or supplement: read the label, check for interactions with your other medicines, don't combine products that contain the same ingredient, and ask a pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, older, or have stomach, kidney, liver or heart conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use diclofenac gel for tennis elbow?
The NHS suggests anti-inflammatory gels for tennis elbow pain. In the US, over-the-counter diclofenac gel is labeled for arthritis pain and carries warnings, so ask a pharmacist or doctor whether it's suitable for you.
Does prednisone work for tennis elbow?
Oral steroids like prednisone are not among the tennis elbow treatments listed by major medical sources, and they can cause side effects. They should only be used if a clinician prescribes them for you.
Does glucosamine help tennis elbow?
Glucosamine has mainly been studied for osteoarthritis, with inconsistent results, and we found no good evidence for tennis elbow. If you are considering it, check with a doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take a blood thinner such as warfarin.
Sources
We checked this article against the following pages on October 22, 2026. Read how we write our guides.
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) (opens in a new tab). Cleveland Clinic.
- Tennis elbow (opens in a new tab). NHS.
- Tennis elbow (opens in a new tab). MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) (opens in a new tab). OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
- Diclofenac Topical (arthritis pain) (opens in a new tab). MedlinePlus Drug Information.
- Ibuprofen (opens in a new tab). MedlinePlus Drug Information.
- Acetaminophen (opens in a new tab). MedlinePlus Drug Information.
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Osteoarthritis: What You Need To Know (opens in a new tab). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH).
- Turmeric: Usefulness and Safety (opens in a new tab). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH).
- Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know (opens in a new tab). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH).
- Dietary Supplements (opens in a new tab). U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
