Comparative Efficacy Of Corticosteroid Injections And Physical Therapy In Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow): A Randomized Prospective Study

Background: Lateral epicondylitis (LE), commonly known as tennis elbow, is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder stemming from the overuse of forearm extensor muscles. While corticosteroid injections offer rapid symptom alleviation, physical therapy focuses on promoting long-term tendon healing and functional restoration. Objective: This study prospectively compared corticosteroid injection and supervised physical therapy in patients with tennis elbow, evaluating pain relief, functional improvement, and recurrence rates over a 24-week period. Methods: We conducted a randomized prospective study involving 100 patients diagnosed clinically with LE. Participants were randomly assigned to either Group A (single corticosteroid injection, n=50) or Group B (supervised physical therapy protocol, n=50). Outcome measures, including the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score for function, grip strength, and recurrence rates, were recorded at 4, 12, and 24 weeks post-intervention. Results: At 4 weeks, Group A demonstrated significantly superior pain relief (VAS 2.3±0.9 vs. 3.7±1.0; p<0.01). However, at 24 weeks, Group B exhibited markedly better pain and functional outcomes (VAS 1.8±0.7 vs. 4.3±1.6; DASH 17.5±4.3 vs. 34.7±6.4; p<0.001). Furthermore, the recurrence rate was significantly lower in Group B (10% vs. 36%; p<0.01). Conclusion: Corticosteroid injections provide effective short-term symptom control in lateral epicondylitis. However, physical therapy yields superior long-term outcomes with a significantly lower rate of recurrence. Therefore, physical therapy should be considered the preferred first-line treatment for lateral epicondylitis.