What is the primary goal of using steroid injections for lateral epicondylitis?

The primary goal of using steroid injections for lateral epicondylitis is to reduce inflammation. Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, involves pain and inflammation around the outer part of the elbow due to overuse or repetitive strain injuries. Steroid injections contain corticosteroids, which are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. By directly injecting these medications into the affected area, the intention is to alleviate pain and reduce inflammatory processes, thereby promoting a more favorable environment for healing and recovery.

While improving strength and increasing mobility are important aspects of rehabilitation following lateral epicondylitis, they are not the immediate goals of steroid injections. These injections serve primarily to address the acute symptoms of pain and inflammation. Providing long-term relief is typically a result of a comprehensive treatment approach that may include physical therapy, activity modification, and gradual strengthening exercises after managing the inflammation. Therefore, the use of steroid injections specifically targets the reduction of inflammation to alleviate pain in the short term.