Contrary to popular misconception, tennis elbow is not a condition that solely affects tennis players. In fact, more than ninety percent of the people who have a problem with tennis elbow have never played tennis. A person may experience this condition if he or she regularly picks up heavy objects, turns a wrench, does gardening, types on a regular basis or engages in some other sort of activity that repeatedly flexes the elbow and/or wrist. Some of the first symptoms of this condition are soreness and a dull aching sensation. These symptoms then get worse and the pain may go from one’s forearm to his or her wrist. If you have this condition, then you should check out the tennis elbow remedies listed below:
1. Do What You Normally do
Once the pain subsides, then keep doing whatever you normally do. However, do not do things that would strain the affected area more than normal. Start with day to day tasks and if you have no further problem you can start tackling more difficult tasks. Just be careful not to overdo.
2. Soothing Strokes
A person who is wondering how to cure tennis elbow should start by gently massaging the affected region. It is important to massage from the forearm all the way down to above the wrist, even if this entire area is not in pain.
3. Homeopathy
Ruta Graveolens is a homeopathic remedy. If the pain is severe then one should take up to six doses of this herbal remedy per hour. Once the pain starts to subside, then one can reduce this dosage and take three to four doses of Ruta Graveolens per day. This particular homeopathic remedy can be purchased from a health food store or any other store that specializes in selling herbal remedies.
4. Ice
Ice is a cheap, easy to use and very effective remedy. One should freeze some water in a paper cup, tear the paper off and then rub the ice on the affected area for up to seven minutes. This treatment can be repeated at least twice a day and should be used whenever the affected area is in pain.
5. Build the Muscle
Once the pain is gone, one should try to build up the muscle, as this will strengthen it and prevent further injury. A person who is prone to tennis elbow should start with a two pound dumbbell. One should rest his or her forearm on the table and slowly raise and lower the dumbbell. This exercise can be repeated fifteen to twenty times, but it should only be done if one has no inflammation in the affected area. If the weight causes pain, then stop the exercise and try switching over to a lighter weight. That’s only one tennis elbow exercise, though. For more exercises and a video, check out our post on tennis elbow exercises.
6. Get a Brace
A brace will help you to avoid contracting the extensor muscle unnecessarily. This particular device can be purchased at a pharmacy or medical supply store. It will prevent you from straining the affected muscles accidentally.
7. Pain Relievers
Pain relievers such as aspirin and paracetamol can help to eliminate the pain caused by tennis elbow. However, such medication should not be taken in excess or when one is not in pain.