Alternate Ways to Cure Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a condition characterized by pain and swelling around the elbow joint. Caused by repetitive movements or excessive pressure on the elbow, those who are afflicted with the condition may find it increasingly difficult to perform routine tasks, such as lifting or grasping items with their hands or stretching and extending their fingers. However, there are several treatment options available to help relieve the discomfort and promote healing at the site of the injury.

Self-care

• The first step to curing tennis elbow is to stop aggravating it. Quit doing whatever it is that irritates your arm. If the cause of your tennis elbow happens to be tennis, this is a fairly easy task. If the cause is a routine task that is a part of your job, then it is a bit more difficult. If you cannot completely eliminate the source of the inflammation, then take the following steps to prevent further damage to the joint. When the ache in your elbow becomes unbearable, or at the end of your day, take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication and allow the arm to rest until the pain subsides. Then heat a bit of olive oil in the microwave and use the warm oil to massage the muscles, relieving tension and assisting blood flow to the injury site. Stretch the arm well before returning to your daily activities.

Alternatives

• In addition to taking aspirin or ibuprofen, you can also reduce the pain and inflammation in your elbow by placing an ice pack over the joint for 15 minutes every three hours during your work day. Wrap the ice pack in a towel and secure it with an elastic bandage. Be sure to keep an eye on the length of the treatment, though, as overexposure to cold can damage the skin. If you prefer treating with heat, you can alternate heating pads with ice packs, but allow the arm to rest for at least one hour between the two so the skin can return to normal temperature. For a longer lasting heating effect, a thin paste can be made from ground cinnamon and water and applied to the skin with the fingertips.

Folk Medicine

• If your elbow is still bugging you and you are hoping for a treatment that is a bit more potent, this old mountain remedy may do the trick. In the Appalachian Mountains, folks still tend to view modern medicine with a fair amount of suspicion, preferring their own "cures" for most illnesses. Ruth Metcalfe, a former healer held in high regard by the residents of Cocke County, Tennessee, used to recommend the following treatment for injuries caused by overuse, such as tennis elbow. Place 2 cups of golden raisins in a bowl and pour just enough gin over them to submerge them completely. Cover the bowl and put it in the cupboard. Let the mixture stand for one week. Every morning before breakfast, remove one dozen raisins from the bowl and eat them. There is no scientific research to support the effectiveness of this particular remedy, however the locals swear by it. The ingredients on their own are beneficial in various ways. Raisins are a strong source of anti-oxidants which could help promote healing. The alcohol in the gin aids in muscle relaxation, preventing further injury. Additionally, the gin itself is made from juniper berries which act as a mild diuretic, drawing fluid away from the joint and helping to reduce swelling.