How to Treat Tennis Elbow

If you overuse your elbow or forearm in daily activities, the tendon linked with the outer covering of the elbow can swell. This painful condition, which restricts your hand movements, is known as tennis elbow. Here is how to treat tennis elbow.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Aspirin or ibuprofen
• Bandage

1. Make an appointment with your doctor to get your elbow checked out and discuss your options.

2. You may need an X-ray to find out the exact extent of damage to your elbow.

3. Your doctor may prescribe aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce the inflammation.

4. Elevate your arm by raising it above your heart. This will help diminish the blood flowing through the arm and reduce the inflammation.

5. Rub ice on the injured area three times a day to reduce swelling.

6. Compress your tennis elbow by wrapping the area with a tight bandage. This will help keep the muscle in place and stop its overuse.

7. Consult a surgeon if the pain and inflammation increase. You may have to undergo lateral epicondylitis surgery. Ask your doctor about the benefits of this surgery and the recovery time.

Tips & Warnings

• Simple exercises can help promote healing. For example, hold a small ball in your hand, squeeze it for a few seconds, then release. Repeat four to five times.
• Follow the four-letter treatment RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
• Do not stress or overuse your arm until your tennis elbow is cured completely.

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