Prevention and Treatment - Tennis Elbow
The tendon at the elbow becomes swollen due to micro
trauma. Tendons, which attach muscles to bones, do not
receive the same amount of oxygen and blood that muscles do, so
they heal more slowly. In fact, some cases of tennis
elbow can last for years, though the inflammation usually subsides
in 6 to 12 weeks.
Some actions you can take:
- Lift objects with your palm up.
- Discontinue or modify the action causing the strain. If you must continue, warm up for 10 minutes or more before the activity and apply ice afterwards. Take more frequent breaks.
- Try strapping a band around your forearm just below your elbow. If this support seems to help you to lift objects such as heavy books, then continue with it. However, be aware that such bands can cut off circulation and impede healing so they are best used once Tennis Elbow has subsided and then only occasionally.
Treatment involves strengthening and stretching exercises for the relevant muscles, adjustments to the elbow, electrotherapy and ultrasound.
Related Link:
What is
tennis elbow?
