Does tennis elbow ever go away on its own?

In short

Often, yes, given time. Tennis elbow usually settles with rest over a few weeks, though it can sometimes last more than a year. Most people get better without surgery. Dr. Knight starts with rest, an elbow brace, anti-inflammatory medicine, changes to how you lift and frequent icing, and he tries to avoid surgery. He treats it in Southlake and Plano, Texas.

By The Hand and Wrist Institute Medically reviewed by John T. Knight, MD Reviewed November 4, 2026 Updated November 4, 2026How we write and review

Call (817) 382-6789 to have this looked at, or book online with Dr. Knight.

What tennis elbow is

Press on the bony bump on the outside of your elbow. Tennis elbow is pain where the forearm muscles that lift the wrist attach there.¹ Despite the name, it is common in work that uses the forearm hard and often, and painters, plumbers and carpenters are particularly prone to it.¹

How long it takes

Tennis elbow usually gets better after a few weeks of rest, but it can sometimes last more than a year.² Between 80 and 95 percent of patients get better without surgery.¹ If home care has not helped after about six weeks, physiotherapy is the usual next step,² and specific exercises help strengthen the forearm muscles.¹

What helps it settle

Rest is the base. Dr. Knight adds an elbow brace, anti-inflammatory medicine, changes to how you lift and frequent icing.

When surgery comes up

Dr. Knight tries to avoid surgery for tennis elbow because he finds it is not highly effective. It is usually considered only when symptoms have not responded after six to twelve months of nonsurgical treatment.¹ The video What is tennis elbow and how is it treated? covers the treatment ladder in his own words.

Tennis elbow care in Southlake and Plano, Texas

If two weeks of rest have not helped, Dr. Knight sees tennis elbow in Southlake on weekdays (our Southlake office) and in Plano on Tuesdays (our Plano office). For patients in Keller and Grapevine, Southlake is the nearer of our two offices. When tennis elbow comes from work, we handle workers' compensation cases. For what treatment involves, see our tennis elbow treatment page.

In Dr. Knight's words

"Usually tennis elbow will go away with rest, but [it's] best if you're using a brace, taking medicine for inflammation, modifying how you lift, and [frequent] icing. Usually it's best to try to avoid surgery, as it's not as effective as other surgeries."

When to call us

• Pain on the outside of the elbow when you grip, lift or shake hands.
• Pain that has not eased after two weeks of rest and home care.
• Numbness or tingling in the hand along with elbow pain.