How to Treat Tennis Elbow at Home

Lateral epicondylitis, colloquially termed tennis elbow, occurs when the muscles and tendons on the outside of the elbow are subjected to repetitive stress or overuse. According to the National Institute of Health's Medline Plus, when muscles are used over and over again, small tears develop in the tendon. The painful condition isn't solely relegated to racket sports players, as plumbers, painters, cooks and butchers can become afflicted with repetitive twisting of the wrist. There are some pain-relieving exercises you can perform at home to treat tennis elbow, if you are unable to see a doctor.

Things You'll Need

• Ice pack
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication
• Brace
• Rubber Band
• Tennis ball or rubber ball
• Sponge or foam

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Stop participating in the activity that is causing tennis elbow for several weeks, in order to give your arm proper rest. Ice your elbow two or three times each day, and take an anti-inflammatory medicine, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen. Read the drug manufacturer's label to determine your dosage.

• 2

  Wear a brace centered over the back of your forearm, to reduce pain and rest the muscles and tendons.

• 3

  Place a rubber band around all five fingertips of the arm with tennis elbow. Spread your fingers 25 times, and repeat the exercise three times. If you need more resistance, add a second rubber band, or use a thicker one.

• 4

  Hold a rubber ball or tennis ball in the palm of your hand. Squeeze the ball 25 times, and repeat the exercise three times. If you have more pain using a ball, you can use a sponge or piece of foam instead.

• 5

  Massage the sore area of your elbow with an ice cube for five minutes, after exercising.