Comparison of diflunisal and naproxen in the treatment of tennis elbow.

The authors favor conservative treatment of tennis elbow, starting with cessation of the offending activity and prescription of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and followed by isometric and isotonic exercises when pain and inflammation have subsided. Two NSAIDs, diflunisal and naproxen, were evaluated in 38 patients with mild-to-moderate pain associated with tennis elbow. The physicians' assessments found no statistically significant differences between the two drugs; both provided effective reduction of pain and swelling. Patients' assessments of pain relief achieved with their respective drugs significantly (P = 0.019) favored diflunisal. Prompt and effective relief of pain and swelling hastens the patient's progression to physical therapy and return to normal activities.