Tennis Elbow Relief – First Aid Measure

Some people may not know it, but the pain or stiffness that they feel in their arms or elbows may be caused by torn ligaments or tendons. This condition is known as tennis elbow, an ailment that is more common than everyone thinks. Although experienced more frequently by tennis players, tennis elbow can actually affect anyone, as it is caused by repetitive arm movements. That is why it is important to know the basic tennis elbow relief methods so that when it happens, one will know what to do. Below are some first aid measures that one can do if one suspects that he or she has tennis elbow.

The first thing to do when one starts to experience some pain in the arm or elbow area is to rest the sore arm. The next step in getting tennis elbow relief is to get some ice and apply them to the afflicted area twice a day or more for at least 20 minutes. Doing so lessens the pain and makes the inflammation in the tendons subside. When doing this, it is important to remember not to let the ice touch the skin directly. Instead, wrap it in a towel or put them in a pack. Alternating ice packs with warm compresses can also make the inflammation subside faster.

Tennis elbow relief can also be obtained by using over the counter drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, paracetamol, and naproxen. These drugs can give tennis elbow relief because they work to reduce the inflammation or to numb the pain caused by tendon tears.

In cases when the drugs do not produce tennis elbow relief, it is advisable to get a physician’s opinion. Usually, they would give stronger medication, such as codeine to alleviate the pain. They would also sometimes put the afflicted arm in a sling or splint. This is so that the arm heals faster as pressure is relieved. What everyone should keep in mind is that tennis elbow is a condition that can be avoided if one is careful. If a specific action is causing pain in the arms, then it is best to take a rest before doing anything more.

Medical Treatment for Tennis Elbow

The name of the medical condition popularly known as tennis elbow can be a bit misleading. Although it is more commonly associated with people who regularly play tennis, it is an affliction that can be experienced by people who do not even play the game. Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis as it is called in the medical world, can be caused by any activity that involves repeated hand, wrist, or arm movement. People who suffer from the said affliction often complain of stiffness in their elbows and pain, as well. That is why it is essential to seek medical treatment for tennis elbow as soon as one experiences the symptoms.

There are many ways to treat tennis elbow, such as using herbs and even acupuncture. But for people who want to be sure, medical treatment is the best first course of action. For people who are experiencing symptoms of tennis elbow, they can use over the counter drugs such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. These drugs work as medical treatment for tennis elbow because they relieve pain and reduce swelling.

If the pain or swelling does not subside, or if one is suffering from too much pain, it is important to go to a doctor. They will be able to give medical treatment for tennis elbow that is stronger and more effective, such as codeine. However, if stronger painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs still do not work, some doctors may advice that one gets steroid injections. This medical treatment for tennis elbow involves the injection of steroids and local anesthetic into the affected area to ease pain and swelling.

If the damage to the tendons is severe or if one has tried many drugs to no avail, doctors may suggest more drastic medical treatment for tennis elbow such as surgery. For those who have tried medication without any effects, physical therapy to reduce pain might also be advised by a physician. The good news is that people who suffer from tennis elbow rarely need these two treatments. As long as they address the problem early on, chances of healing are greatly multiplied.