Medical management: Role of NSAIDs/topical medications

Abstract

Oral and topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) commonly are used in the management of lateral epicondylitis. Limited studies suggest that they might be helpful for short-term pain management, but likely do not alter the long-term course of disease or outcome. As topical NSAIDs have fewer significant adverse effects than oral NSAIDs, the former might be considered preferable for short-term management of pain associated with lateral epicondylitis.