[toc]Lateral Epicondylitis is another term used to refer tennis elbow. It is caused commonly due to strain, overuse or injury of the tendon, which connects the muscles in the forearm to the outer part of the elbow. This condition is referred to as tennis elbow because it is common in tennis players.
However, this problem can occur to anybody and it is because of activities that involve continuous bending, turning, gripping and backward extension of the wrist. Tennis elbow primarily affects people between the age group of 40-50, but anybody can develop this problem. A few treatments for tennis elbow are discussed below.
Tennis Elbow Treatments
Exercise
Special stretches are recommended for speedy recovery from tennis elbow, but these exercises are not advised if you experience pain. A wrist stretch extension could be done to relieve this problem. First stretch the arm that is affected in such a way that it is perpendicular to the torso and fold your palm. Take the other hand and place it on the fist. Push it downwards and hold it in this position for about 20 seconds and then release.
Keep repeating this for about 5 times. The next exercise is the wrist flexor stretch. To perform this exercise stretch the affected arm with the fore arm turned upwards. Now turn the hand in such a way that the fingers face downwards. Take the other hand and hold the fingers and push them backwards until you experience a stretch in the forearm. Hold this position for about 20 seconds. Keep repeating this exercise for 5 times.
Ice Pack
Ice packs are known to be very effective in getting rid of any pain in the elbow or swelling around the elbow and the area affected. The best thumb rule for this is to place the ice pack on the affected area for about fifteen minutes. Repeat this every few hours, many times in a day.
For tennis elbow treatment you can just fill a plastic bag or a pack with ice and place it on the arm that is injured. This should be done continuously during the process of healing. Once you notice a reduction in the inflammation level you can let the affected area heal on its own.
Wear A Support Sling Or Brace
A brace or a tennis elbow wrap can be utilized to reduce pain and enhance healing. In order to avoid any kind of movement that could worsen the injury and the pain, a support sling could also be used. Care should be taken while using a support sling. Make sure you remove the arm every once in a while to be able to stretch and avoid atrophy of the muscle.
Massage
Massage is a great way to ease pain associated with tennis elbow. A friction massage could be done. First, identify the painful area, use your thumb and gently massage on that tendon with back and forth movements. Trigger point massage could also be done for which you need to use your middle finger. Massage the muscles that are found within the elbow crease. A therapist with some experience is required to perform this massage as he would be able to find the trigger points surrounding the arm.
Elevation
A powerful and practical solution to this condition is elevation. Elevation is a great remedy to treat swelling associated with this condition. Elevating the affected arm helps in promoting the blood flow to the injured region. It will flow with ease back and forth without getting accumulated in the forearm. For elevation you can use some pillows or hold up against a cushioned area.
