How to Treat Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, does not just affect tennis players; in fact, tennis players make up less than five percent of the unfortunate sufferers of this condition. Tennis elbow is caused by overuse, and is a painful and debilitating condition. Treatment is important in order to heal and prevent further injury.
First: Hot and cold
Treat the elbow using hot and cold compresses. Alternate between hot and cold, applying a hot compress for ten minutes, and then a cold compress for ten minutes.
Second: Use an elbow brace
Purchase a brace or strap made especially for the elbow, and wear it in order to protect from any further injury. The brace also helps to relieve the strain that your tendons usually endure.
Third: Pain killers and anti-inflammatories
Over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs help with swelling and pain. Common anti-inflammatory drugs used for tennis elbow are ibuprofen (Advil) and aspirin. These drugs are generally not enough to treat tennis elbow, but help greatly when used with other types of therapy.
Fourth: Physical therapy
Special exercises help to heal tennis elbow, and are also helpful in preventing it from happening again. Visit a professional physical therapist, and get a personalized exercise routine designed especially for tennis elbow. Strengthen the muscles that support your elbow, and avoid tennis elbow in the future.
Fifth: Steroid injections
It is possible to get a steroid injection, like cortisone, injected into the affected area in order to relieve pain and diminish any inflammation.