Don’t you have to play tennis to suffer from something called “tennis elbow?”
While the condition is named after the sport, tennis elbow is something anyone can experience if they overuse their forearm, elbow, or wrist tendons. Along with sports such as baseball, golf, and tennis causing this condition, it can also result from any repetitive motion.
For example, professionals like plumbers, house painters, mechanics, carpenters, and more may experience tennis elbow, too. In fact, it’s estimated that between one and three percent of the U.S. population will be affected by tennis elbow at some point.
Treating Cases of Tennis Elbow
If you are diagnosed with tennis elbow, you can do a few things to alleviate the pain and reduce inflammation.
Rest
Try to avoid the repetitive motion that caused this condition if possible. It can be challenging if your livelihood depends on the motion; however, even short periods of rest are beneficial.
Apply Ice
Try applying ice to the painful area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, every four to six hours. You can apply ice using a towel or cloth between your skin and the ice pack. Many physical therapists use gel packs because they don’t fully freeze, which means they can be molded around your elbow. Once you feel slightly better, heat can offer additional relief.
Use a Brace for Support
You can find different brace types based on your need and what feels comfortable to you. One option looks like an elastic sleeve, covering your arm below and above your elbow and compresses the whole area. You can also find straps worn around your forearm, which support your muscles while restricting their movement.
Use a Wrist Splint
Give your tendons and muscles a chance to rest at night with a wrist splint. It also helps to keep everything in place, which is important to help ease tennis elbow pain.
Take Ibuprofen
Your doctor may recommend that you take anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxers at night. While this may be beneficial for short-term relief, you should not rely on this too long. If you use painkillers for prolonged periods of time, they may have negative effects on your body.
Use CBD
CBD oil can help reduce inflammation, while CBD creams can target the pain where it is. You can find all types of CBD products that may benefit this condition, and many users swear by their effectiveness.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy will use things like massage, heat and cold therapy, exercises, and ultrasound to help alleviate the pain.
When it comes to eliminating the pain and discomfort that is caused by the tennis elbow, there are several things that you can try. Keep the information here in mind to know what you can do to alleviate this condition and the pain that goes with it. While there is no cure, it’s nice to know there are some effective treatment options you can try.