Elbow Pain Relief

Elbow pain can be the result of one of many conditions, both acute or chronic. There are several ways to relieve elbow pain, but you will want to diagnose the cause of the pain to resolve the condition and create a relief program accordingly.

First Response

• If you are experiencing elbow pain, the first thing you should do is ice the elbow for 20 minutes. This will reduce swelling in and around the joint. You may also take anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen to further reduce swelling and relieve the pain.

  If this is an acute injury (something that happened through a sudden action) you will want to immobilize the joint until you can have a proper diagnosis from a doctor. A sling will keep the elbow level and raised to reduce swelling and ease the pain.

Post-Diagnosis: Acute Injury Releif

• Once you know what is wrong, it is easier to find a way to relieve the pain. If the elbow pain is a result of a dislocation you need to realign the elbow. This is a painful process on its own and should only be done by a trained professional. Adult elbow dislocations are often accompanied with a fracture that may leave chips of bone in the joint. Once the elbow is back in place, you will be on your way to feeling relief. You will need to keep the elbow immobilized as instructed by a doctor to allow the elbow to properly heal.

  Acute sprains and contusions need time to heal. Use a brace to restrict movement and give the elbow additional support. Continue to use the ice and anti-inflammatory medicine to relieve the pain.

Post-Diagnosis: Chronic Injury Relief

• If the injury is a result of repeated activity or sport such as tennis, it is best to refrain from the activity leading to the pain until the elbow heals. That being said, if you must engage in the activity, you should use a brace that supports the area of the pain. You should also consult with a professional to review any form or technique you use in the activity (i.e. a tennis coach) to seek improvements in your form to reduce the stress on the elbow.

  Start a stretching program for your forearm and elbow and do this several times a day and prior to activity. Strengthening the forearm and upper arm will help create more stability and reduce future problems. Continue to ice after activity and use anti-inflammatory medicine if needed. Consult a doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen.