How to deal with Tennis Elbow
- Andrew Clark
- Jan 9, 2023
- 4 min read
I don't know if I have tennis elbow, click here to learn about it!
At home treatment options for Tennis Elbow
Number one thing that you have to do is trial a Tennis Elbow Brace (also the preferred treatment for Golfer's Elbow). This will greatly alleviate the stress and fatigue place on the common extensor tendon caused by the activities which aggravated the elbow. By slowing down your activity level and using a brace like this one you can build back up into your activity without the pain and prevent recurrence.
The Rolflex Arm Massager is a great addition to your toolkit. It has a design unique to massaging out the small, fine muscles in your forearm that cause the tendonitis. It will help apply pressure to the front and back of your arm simultaneously to help relieve the tension you've built up and aide in the stretching and bracing needed to continue your activities pain free.
Voltaren Pain Gel is an anti-inflammatory medication which is very useful in getting into superficial structures, like the tendons that cause tennis elbow. It can help relieve the painful irritation in the connective tissue without causing your whole body to get a dose and without having to concern yourself with the harmful side effects of an oral medication. If you haven't tried Voltaren for your painful superficial aches, you're missing out on a great tool.
Ice packs are not always the answer, but they certainly will help alleviate pain and help you get back to your daily activities. If you need to keep going, but you can't because of the pain, try this ComfiTECH Ice Pack molded to fit your elbow. This is best used immediately after activity to help prevent the inflammation and swelling that inevitably comes from using a body part which is trying to warn us away by being painful. Remember, the best thing to do is to rehab your joint, only if you have to keep going (like so many people do) should you be using elements like consistent ice to continue with your day.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that occurs when the tendons in your elbow become strained or damaged. It is often caused by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm, such as those used in tennis or other racquet sports. Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow, weakness in the wrist and forearm, and difficulty gripping objects. Treatment for tennis elbow may include rest, physical therapy, and pain medication. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged tendons.
The main sign of tennis elbow is pain on the outer part of the elbow. You may also experience tenderness when you touch the area, weakness in your wrist and forearm, and difficulty gripping objects. You may also feel pain when you lift or bend your arm, or when you twist your wrist. Tennis elbow can also cause a burning sensation in your arm, and you may feel a sensation of numbness or tingling in your fingers. In severe cases, you may have difficulty straightening your arm or making a fist. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
There are several treatment options for tennis elbow, including:
Rest: Avoiding activities that strain the elbow can help reduce pain and allow the injury to heal.
Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain.
Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches that strengthen the muscles and tendons in the elbow can help alleviate pain and improve function.
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and swelling.
Bracing: Wearing a brace or strap around the elbow can help stabilize the joint and reduce strain on the tendons.
Injections: Your doctor may recommend an injection of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tendons.
It is important to follow your doctor's treatment plan and to avoid activities that may strain the elbow until it has fully healed.
Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer's Elbow
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are similar conditions that affect the elbow joint. Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that occurs when the tendons in your elbow become strained or damaged. It is often caused by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm, such as those used in tennis or other racquet sports. Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer part of the elbow.
Golfer's elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the inner part of the elbow. It is caused by overuse or strain on the muscles and tendons in the elbow and wrist, and is often associated with golf, but can also be caused by other activities that involve repetitive wrist and elbow movements. Golfer's elbow causes pain on the inner part of the elbow.
Both conditions can be treated with rest, physical therapy, and medications. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tendons.
However, these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as bursitis, arthritis, or nerve entrapment. The only way to know for sure what is causing your symptoms is to see a doctor for a proper evaluation. They will be able to diagnose your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment.
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