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Elbow Pain Treatment

Elbow pain can be aggravating and even prohibitive when it comes to participating in sports or doing daily chores. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available to help soothe elbow pain. For short-term pain problems cause by muscle strain or surgery, home remedies include icing and stretching. Over-the-counter medications can also provide some relief. People who have chronic pain often find relief in prescription medication or physical therapy.

  1. Icing

    • Medline recommends applying ice packs for up to 15 minutes at a time to ease elbow inflammation. The first day, ice can be applied hourly. For the next three or four days, ice should be applied every three or four hours for 15 minutes at a time.

    Stretching

    • Gentle stretching exercises can help increase flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the elbow, providing support and preventing future injury. Medline recommends that people with elbow pain rest their elbow and ice it for a few days, and begin stretching after three or four days. Doctors can recommend the best stretches for your particular circumstances.

    Over the Counter Medications

    • Over the counter anti-inflammatory pain relief medications recommended by Medline include acetaminophen and ibuprofen. These are all known to soothe muscle aches, but may not be enough for severe or ongoing pain caused by an injury, inflammation or infection.

    Prescription Medication

    • Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs that are stronger than over the counter medications if you experience ongoing pain that can't be treated with over the counter medications. Some physicians may prescribe corticosteriod injections for persistent pain related to tendon or muscle injury, according to the University of California San Diego Medical Center.

    Physical Therapy

    • Physical therapy is usually an option considered for strained muscles or arthritis, according to Medline. Physical therapy may involve a doctor helping you perform strengthening exercises, stretching and massaging tension out of the area.

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