Botulinum Toxin Studied as Treatment for Tennis Elbow

According to researchers in Tehran, Botox has potential as a treatment for chronic tennis elbow. A study appearing in the journal of the Canadian Medical Association documents the use of Botulinum toxin for treatment of chronic tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis.

At the Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex in Tehran, a randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 48 patients.  They were injected with either Botox or saline, the placebo.  Injection sites were customized for each patient’s anatomy.

When Botox injections were performed with anatomic measurements as a guide, they “significantly reduced pain at rest in patients with chronic refractory lateral epicondylitis.”  However, due to side effects, the treatment may not be appropriate for patients who require finger extension.