Doctors in Tehran recently studied the use of Botulinum toxin for treatment of 
chronic tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis. The study, which will appear in the Journal of the Canadian Medical Association, shows that Botox may reduce pain associated with tennis elbow, but as a side effect, it may also cause weakness in finger extension.
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.” Due to the side effects, the treatment may not be appropriate for patients who require finger extension.
Read more on the CMAJ website. Another summary of the findings can be found on HealthDay News.
