Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Authored By
Dr. Abhiram
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Sumana
Updated 7/24/2026
Clinical Overview
Tennis elbow is an overuse injury causing inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. Ayurveda treats this as Kurpara Sandhi Shoola, a localized Vata-Pitta pathology. Our primary interventions are highly targeted: Agnikarma provides immediate pain relief, followed by localized Pichu (oil retention) and Nadi Sweda to heal the micro-tears in the extensor tendons.
Emergency Warning Signs
Seek immediate conventional medical care if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden inability to move the joint or bear weight
- Visible deformity or severe sudden swelling
- A loud 'pop' followed by immediate, intense weakness (indicative of a complete tear)
Symptomatology
Pain
Clinical manifestation characterized by pain. Ayurvedic assessment involves evaluating the specific Dosha and Srotas involvement underlying this symptom.
Stiffness
Clinical manifestation characterized by stiffness. Ayurvedic assessment involves evaluating the specific Dosha and Srotas involvement underlying this symptom.
Limited Mobility
Clinical manifestation characterized by limited mobility. Ayurvedic assessment involves evaluating the specific Dosha and Srotas involvement underlying this symptom.
Diagnostic Protocol
Ayurvedic Assessment
Nadi Pariksha to evaluate Vata-Pitta involvement, local palpation for Snayu (tendon) thickness and crepitus.
Required Laboratory Tests
Imaging Modalities
Classical Perspective
Samprapti (Pathogenesis)
Overuse provokes Vata, which dries the local Kapha protecting the Snayu (tendon). Pitta involvement creates acute inflammation. Chronic Vata leads to structural degeneration and micro-tearing.
Dosha
Vata and Pitta
Dhatu
Snayu (Upadhatu of Medas), Mamsa, Asthi
Srotas
Mamsavaha and Medovaha Srotas
Precision Treatment Protocol
Panchakarma Interventions
Classical Medicines
- kaishora guggulu
- dashamoola arishta
Key Herbs
- guduchi
- guggulu
- shallaki
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ayurveda treat tendonitis differently than steroid injections?
Steroid injections artificially suppress inflammation but can weaken the tendon structure over time, leading to ruptures. Our Ayurvedic clinical therapies, especially Agnikarma and specific Lepas, resolve the inflammation while actively stimulating blood flow and collagen repair, strengthening the tendon rather than weakening it.
This information is for educational purposes and does not substitute professional medical diagnosis.
Always seek the advice of a qualified physician.