These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Joe, age 42: I have seen a few of my tennis buddies go for months with elbow pain. They try to play through it, and it just doesn't seem to go away. I just started feeling this kind of pain, and I'm going to try to nip it in the bud by taking a complete break from tennis for a couple of months.

Lara, age 57: I can't stand it any longer. Last year, I raked leaves for hours and developed a nice case of tennis elbow. Even though I've spent the entire past 11 months avoiding things that make my arm hurt and have been doing exercises, it still hurts when I try to do simple things like sweep the floor. I'm going to talk to the surgeon my doctor has recommended.

Sophia, age 39: I use scissors all day at work, and it has become so painful to cut anything now! I can't leave my job, so my boss and I have worked things out so I can work the cash register and stock instead. I still have to be careful, but the strap my doctor told me to wear below my elbow is helping a lot.

Ramon, age 46: I've had tennis elbow pain for years. It comes and goes, and lately has been more constant. My doctor says that I'm a good candidate for surgery, but I need to see more solid evidence that surgery will work. I'm going to see a physical therapist and look into some other possibilities like acupuncture.