Elbow
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Your treatment will depend on how inflamed your tendon is. The goal is to relieve your symptoms and help you regain full use of your elbow.
Rest and Medication
Wearing a tennis elbow splint allows the inflamed tendon to rest, so it can heal. Using your other hand or changing your grip also helps take stress off the tendon.
And oral anti-inflammatory medications and heat or ice can relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Exercises and Therapy
Your doctor may give you an exercise program, or refer you to a therapist, to gently stretch and then strengthen the muscles around your elbow.
Anti-Inflammatory Injections
Your doctor may give you injections of an anti-inflammatory, such as cortisone, to help reduce the swelling. You may have more pain at first, but in a few days your elbow should feel better.
If Surgery Is Needed
If your symptoms persist for a long time, or other treatments don’t relieve them, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the inflamed tendon.
Tennis Elbow FAQs
How is tennis elbow diagnosed?
Tennis elbow is typically diagnosed through a combination of a patient’s medical history and a physical examination. During your visit, a healthcare provider may ask about your symptoms, including when the pain started and what activities worsen it. They might perform tests, such as gently pressing on the outer part of your elbow or asking you to move your arm in specific ways to check for pain or weakness. Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs are rarely needed but may be recommended to rule out other conditions.
What exercises are recommended for tennis elbow recovery?
Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can aid recovery and improve arm function. A few commonly recommended exercises include:
Wrist Extensor Stretch: Hold your arm straight in front of you with your palm facing down. Use your other hand to gently pull your fingers back toward your body until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Hold for 15-30 seconds.
Eccentric Wrist Curls: With a light dumbbell or resistance band, slowly lower your wrist from a curled position to a relaxed one. This movement strengthens the muscles affected by tennis elbow.
Towel Twist: Hold a towel with both hands and twist it in opposite directions as if wringing out water. Alternate directions for a balanced workout.
How can I treat tennis elbow at home?
At-home treatments focus on reducing pain and inflammation while promoting healing. Some effective methods include:
Rest: Avoid activities that strain the elbow, such as repetitive gripping or lifting.
Ice Therapy: Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every few hours to reduce inflammation.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage discomfort and swelling.
Braces or Straps: An elbow brace can reduce strain on the affected tendon during daily activities.
Gradual Activity Resumption: As pain subsides, slowly reintroduce light activities to avoid overloading the tendon.
Can tennis elbow become chronic if left untreated?
Yes, untreated tennis elbow can progress to a chronic condition. If the repetitive strain on the tendons continues, the damage may worsen, leading to long-term pain, stiffness, and reduced arm function. Chronic tennis elbow can also make daily tasks, such as lifting or gripping, more challenging. Early intervention with rest, therapy, or medical treatment significantly reduces the risk of long-term complications.
How can I prevent tennis elbow from returning?
Preventing tennis elbow recurrence involves adopting healthy habits to reduce stress on your elbow and forearm. Here are some tips:
Improve Technique: Whether playing sports or performing repetitive tasks, using proper form reduces strain on the tendons.
Strengthen Supporting Muscles: Regular exercises for the forearm, wrist, and shoulder muscles help distribute workload more evenly.
Use Ergonomic Tools: Invest in tools and equipment that minimize strain, such as cushioned grips or ergonomic keyboards.
Take Breaks: Avoid prolonged repetitive motions by taking frequent breaks to rest your arm.
Warm Up: Stretching and warming up before physical activities can help prevent injuries.
By addressing risk factors and following preventive measures, you can reduce the likelihood of tennis elbow returning.