Few active people pay much attention to the key structural elements of the body, such as tendons, muscles, and joints – until something goes wrong. When you develop tennis elbow, either through a sport like tennis or through similar repetitive use or disease, your ability to take part in athletic activities and sports is severely curtailed.
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is known by its pain, inflammation, and tenderness of the elbow joint due to several conditions. It could be from tendonitis in which tendons connecting to the elbow become severely swollen after repeated injury, overuse, or straining. It could also be from bursitis, which is inflammation of the thin, fluid-filled sac (bursa) located at the boney tip of the elbow.
Medical treatments for tennis elbow range from home self-care for minor cases to surgery for the most severe cases. A large number of tennis elbow cases may be successfully treated at home, following consultation with your primary care doctor or specialist.
Self-Care
The purpose of home treatment for tennis elbow is to provide relief, as much as possible, from the symptoms of pain and inflammation, while allowing the natural healing process to run its course.
As with many other home remedies for similar conditions, resting your elbow while limiting its use for a few days is perhaps the most important thing you can do to reduce pain and inflammation. Doctors also suggest:
Icing
Cold packs used on the area may reduce pain. Ice can be applied four times a day for up to 30 minutes. Icing the area will also help to reduce the swelling that usually accompanies bursitis and tendonitis.
Compression
Wrap your elbow with an elastic medical bandage. Make sure it’s snug, but not overly tight, as this could limit blood flow or put too much pressure in the affected bursa.
Elevation
While at rest, place your elbow in a comfortable position at a level above your heart. This may help reduce the throbbing sensation at the joint.
Heat
Putting heat (warm, not too hot) on the area may help reduce pain and stiffness associated with tendonitis and bursitis.
Exercise
After a period of rest, and once swelling has gone away, your doctor may recommend moving exercises for the affected joint. These can include gentle stretching and light strengthening exercises.
Medication
Anti-inflammatory drugs sold without a prescription, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, may help reduce pain and swelling. In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe you stronger medications – however, you should avoid opiate-based painkillers such as codeine and hydrocodone due to their high potential for addiction.
Prevention of Tennis Elbow
In the future, you can do a few things to prevent tennis elbow from happening again.
Activity Modification
If your tennis elbow was caused by constant, repetitive overuse – such as playing tennis or golf – consider modifying the activity’s frequency and your way of performing it. Make sure you return to your activity slowly and mindfully. Your doctor or a physical therapist can provide you with tips on how to protect your elbow from damage and inflammation, while still enjoying an active lifestyle.
Physical Supports
Also, you may want to consider using a sports bandage, splint, or brace – if possible – while performing the activity. These can provide better alignment for your elbow and limit overstress and impact to the joint.
Hand to Shoulder Orthopedic Treatment in Maryland
If tennis elbow causes you to have pain or reduced mobility, reach out to our team at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder. We dedicate ourselves to providing state-of-the-art treatments for all of our patients.
Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons and plastic surgeons are here to help. Call us today at (410) 296-6232 or use our online form to request an appointment so that you can enjoy your best quality of life, every day.
