Tennis Elbow Treatment & Relief: Understanding Causes and Options

Question
I am 18 and I think I have had tennis elbow for around 3 to 4 months now from playing racquetball. It was pretty painful at first and now only bothers me when I am very active with my arm. However, it is not getting better so i made an appointment with my Doctor to get it checked out and probably get a cortisone shot. I hate needles and will almost pass out at the sight of them. I have been getting alot of blood work because of other health problems so my Doctor gave me the numbing cream called Lidocaine and Prilocaine Cream, 2.5%/2.5%. substituted for EMLA cream AST.       
I just want to know if it is safe to use this cream before I get the cortisone shot. Do you know if it could have any side affects or any problems? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreaciated. Thanks alot

Answer
Hi Nate,
It's OK to use that cream but will probably be of little value. I'm not so sure I'd go for the shot just yet. A conservative therapy program would be a better way to start even though it has been a problem for a while. Once you get a shot, there's nothing much left to do for it. I'd save it for a last resort.