Rest, ice, compression and elevation are the best treatment for tennis elbow, followed up with specific exercise and physical therapy. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) refers to an injury to the outer elbow tendon that occurs after strenuous overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, near the elbow joint.
Considering this, how long does it take for tennis elbow to heal?
Tennis elbow will get better without treatment (known as a self-limiting condition). Tennis elbow usually lasts between 6 months and 2 years, with most people (90%) making a full recovery within a year. The most important thing to do is to rest your injured arm and stop doing the activity that caused the problem.
- Icing the elbow to reduce pain and swelling. …
- Using an elbow strap to protect the injured tendon from further strain.
- Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin, to help with pain and swelling.
Moreover, how do I know if I have tennis elbow?
What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?
- elbow pain that is mild at first but gradually gets worse.
- pain extending from the outside of the elbow down to the forearm and wrist.
- a weak grip.
- increased pain when shaking hands or squeezing an object.
- pain when lifting something, using tools, or opening jars.
Is massage good for tennis elbow?
Deep tissue massage to the forearm is a very effective method of easing tennis elbow and healing it much faster than rest alone. Deep tissue massage will enhance circulation and combining this with friction therapy to the tendons on the elbow joint, positive results are seen.
What can be mistaken for tennis elbow?
Other Conditions Mistaken for Tennis Elbow
- Medial epicondylitis, or golfer’s elbow, causes pain in the same area as tennis elbow. …
- Osteochondritis is a joint disease. …
- Arthritis can wear down the protective cartilage around the elbow.
How do you heal tennis elbow fast?
Decrease Inflammation – P R I C E
- P – Protection. Improving your warm up routine and enhancing your form used during your sporting activity is imperative. …
- R- Rest. Resting your fingers, wrist and forearm will allow the tendons and muscles surrounding your elbow to heal. …
- I – Ice Application. …
- C – Compression. …
- E – Elevate.
How should I sleep with tennis elbow pain?
Sleeping with tennis elbow
To avoid putting strain on your elbow while recovering from tennis elbow, you should sleep on your back and try to keep your arms in a straighter, more natural relaxed position. It helps to prop up each arm on pillows on either side of you.
Can you lift with tennis elbow?
Repetitive lifting or motions: Exercises that rely on repetitive lifting or repetitive motions of your elbow and wrist can agitate your injury. When you’re working out in this condition, do as few repetitions as possible.