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How Can I Cure Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow isn't just an athletic ailment. While it can be most commonly found in athletes who play tennis and other sports that use a racquet, non-athletes who do similar motions can also experience it. Tennis elbow is a sore and tender elbow. You experience pain when you grip an object or move the wrist, such as when you pour a glass of water. But it can be treated.

  1. Braces

    • An orthopedic brace will keep the elbow protected and warm. By keeping the elbow warm, you increase the circulation, which aids in healing. The brace supports the muscles and tendons by redirecting some of the strain. Wrapping a band around your forearm just below the elbow can also help. The additional support relieves some of the pain when lifting heavy objects. Don't make the band too tight; it can restrict circulation.

    Rest

    • The easiest remedy for tennis elbow is to give your arm some rest. Allow the pain to disappear. Before beginning the motions that caused the problem in the first place, make sure that you warm up the elbow. Also, take frequent breaks from the motions to allow the joint to rest.

    Exercise

    • Strengthen the muscles around the joint to keep them from being susceptible to the strain. Wrist curls, barbell curls and triceps extensions are weight-bearing exercises that will strengthen the muscles. If the elbow is still sensitive, try isometric exercises.

    Medication

    • Mild cases of tennis elbow can be treated with aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce the inflammation. You can also apply topical anti-inflammatories.

    Ice Packs

    • Ice works as an anti-inflammatory agent. Put an ice pack on the elbow for 10 to 15 minutes three times a day. This should reduce swelling of the tendons and muscles and alleviate pain. If you can keep the elbow elevated at the same time, it will draw blood from the elbow and help reduce pain.

    Foods

    • Celery has been known to act as an anti-inflammatory for tennis elbow relief. Ginger can do the same. Create ginger tea by soaking ginger root in hot water or adding ground ginger to hot water. White willow bark contains salicin, which the body converts to salicylic acid; this can act as a pain reliever. White willow bark also acts as an anti-inflammatory.

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