Tennis elbow is a common and painful condition that affects people who frequently use their arms and wrists for repetitive motions. It is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow causing pain and discomfort. For those dealing with this condition, there are a number of treatment options available depending on the severity of the condition. In this article, we discuss some of the best ways to treat tennis elbow and alleviate the pain and discomfort that comes with it.
Rest and Ice: The first thing you should do when you start to experience pain is to rest the affected area. Try to avoid doing anything that might aggravate the condition and give your arm time to heal. Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Apply ice to the elbow for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for tennis elbow. A physiotherapist can work with you to develop an exercise program that focuses on stretching and strengthening the affected muscles and tendons. This can help to alleviate pain and prevent the condition from returning.
Chiropractic Treatment: Chiropractic treatment can also help to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with tennis elbow. A chiropractor can use a variety of techniques such as soft tissue release, joint mobilization, and acupuncture to help reduce pain and inflammation. They might also recommend stretches and exercises to help strengthen the tendon and prevent future injuries.
Medication: Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help to ease the pain associated with tennis elbow. In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers or corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation.
Surgery: In very severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the damaged tendon. Surgery is usually only considered when other treatment options have failed and the pain and discomfort associated with the condition are severe.
Tennis elbow can be a painful and frustrating condition, but there are a number of effective treatment options available depending on the severity of the condition. Rest and ice, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, medication, and surgery are all viable treatment options that can help to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort associated with tennis elbow, it is important to consult with a physiotherapist or chiropractor to determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition. With the right treatment plan, you can overcome tennis elbow and return to your normal activities pain-free.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapy practitioner at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
