Treatment Plan for Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is an ailment that is caused by overuse of the tendons in the elbow. Tennis elbow causes pain in the bony area on the outside of the elbow, soreness and weakness in the wrist and pain when performing many activities. Someone with tennis elbow may have problems opening a doorknob, using a screwdriver or holding up a coffee cup. Mild tennis elbow can be treated at home, but you should see a physician if you notice any physical deformities, pain that does not go away or fever at the site.

Medication

• Use anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen to help alleviate the swelling and pain at the site of the injury. These drugs can be taken by mouth when needed every four to six hours. If they do not seem to be working, your physician may prescribe a narcotic pain reliever such as Demerol. This will not help with inflammation, but it will help with pain management.

Braces or Supports

• A brace can immobilize the elbow so that it will have time to heal. A support can help keep your elbow from moving in the position that caused the injury and will help eliminate pain and further injury. The brace is typically worn a little further down than directly on the injury, and it can be helpful when returning to activity. You still may be required to avoid certain activities until the elbow has healed completely.

Corticosteroids

• Corticosteroids are often used when the pain is severe. This medication is given in injections to the site of the injury and the effects can last longer than medications or other treatments. They can reduce swelling and deaden the nerves to provide relief. Long-term use of steroids can be dangerous, so this treatment cannot be used for chronic pain.

Physical Therapy

• Physical therapy can be used to gradually stretch and strengthen the muscles surrounding the tendon. This helps provide support to the elbow and prevent future injury. These exercises are usually done in physical therapy, but once learned, they can be done at home and work.

Surgery

• Surgery may be used as a last resort if all other methods have failed. Your physician may suggest that you have surgery to help repair the elbow if your pain has been persistent for at least six months. According to the Mayo Clinic, only about 10 percent of all people who suffer from tennis elbow require surgery.