Tennis Elbow and How to Treat It

Do you suffer pain from the bony area outside the elbow? Do you feel a weakness in the wrist, and find managing even simple tasks like opening a door handle difficult? You may have tennis elbow, even if you don’t play tennis. Lateral epicondylitis, or Tennis Elbow, is a common injury due to over use. The repetitive contraction of the forearm muscles when you straighten or raise your hand is what causes this problem. Stress to the tissue may cause inflammation or tiny tears in the tendons outside the elbow.

Some of the other symptoms of tennis elbow include a hot and inflammed area or inability to bend the elbow. Your elbow may look deformed or it may feel like you’ve broken a bone. You may also feel pain on the outside of the elbow when the hand is bent back with resistance against the wrist. However, the symptoms are similar to entrapment of the radial nerve which is when the muscles and tendons in the forearm become inflammed and trap the nerve that passes just below the bony bit on the outside of the elbow (the radial nerve). Nerves running through the spinal column that connect to the nerves in the arm or elbow can get pinched or irritated causing you to think there is something wrong with your elbow. Consulting your doctor is important so they can rule out any other neural problems (like the neck). They may need an x-ray to rule out arthritis.

As with any inflammed area, ice or cold treatment can reduce the swelling and the pain. Alternating between hot and cold therapy can also improve mobility, reduce pain and swelling. Wearing a brace or strap to support the elbow is necessary to keep the arm from unnecessary movement or strain. A brace will also protect the tendon while it heals. Your doctor may also recommend a strap to further immobilize and support the arm as part of your treatment. Acupuncture has been proven effective at relieving the energy flow around the elbow promoting healing and is recognized by the AMA. Massage therapy and myofacial release are also alternative methods of treatment that have wide acceptance. Many natural anti-inflammatory options are available as well. When the pain has subsided, a physiotherapist can recommend a number of exercises to strengthen the region.

There are also numerous natural anti-inflammatory foods that can help. However, consult your doctor to verify your symptoms are indeed tennis elbow.

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