What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful elbow ailment caused by overuse of the extremity. While tennis and other racquet-based activities can cause tennis elbow to occur, there are several other sports and activities that can cause this to happen.
Below, we will briefly discuss what tennis elbow is and what you can do at home to relieve some of the pain. Continue reading below to learn more and discover how Harlan Chiropractic & Acupuncture can help you if you are experiencing tennis elbow.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow that connect the forearm muscles.
Tennis elbow can be caused by a direct injury to the elbow that causes the tendon to swell, as well as activities that demand overuse of the extremity and repetitive motions. This, in turn, damages the forearm muscles and tendons on the outside of the elbow causing pain and soreness.
Tennis elbow symptoms might appear quickly as a result of using the wrist and hand excessively for activities that involve force but can also appear gradually over a period of weeks or months.
Symptoms of tennis elbow may include the following.
- Radiating pain in your forearm and wrist
- Difficulty performing everyday tasks that require the use of your forearm or wrist
- Instability in the elbow
- Weakness in the wrist, hand, or forearm
At-Home Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow
If you are experiencing tennis elbow, there are a few at-home solutions that may provide you with some relief.
- Icing your elbow
- Brace your elbow
- Gentle stretching
- Resting your elbow
Icing Your Elbow
Ice packs might help relieve pain and inflammation caused by tennis elbow. However, ice should not be applied straight to the skin since it can cause injury. Instead, wrap the ice in a towel or cloth and ice the area causing you pain for 15 to 20 minutes, three to four times a day.
Bracing Your Elbow
Wearing a supportive brace that protects and supports your elbow may also provide some relief from tennis elbow. You might also want to consider using kinesiology tape, as it can provide support for muscles and tendons without restricting movement like braces.
Gentle Stretching
Another remedy that may provide some relief is gentle stretching. Gently extend your arm straight out in front of you and move your fingers back towards your arm to make the “stop” gesture, then return them to their starting position. Do this several times.
Reversely, drop your hand below your wrist with your palm facing your body and keeping your arm straight. Apply light pressure to your hand, pull it towards you, and then return your hand to its starting position. Do this several times, as well.
Resting Your Elbow
As with most injuries, the best method to relieve pain caused by tennis elbow is to rest. While it may appear to be a simple remedy, it is useful when the elbow area is irritated or inflamed. While you should avoid regular activities that irritate the tendons, resuming daily tasks can be done cautiously, but be sure to stop if you begin to feel any pain.
Come See Harlan Chiropractic & Acupuncture Today for Tennis Elbow Relief
If you are experiencing persistent pain on the outside of your elbow that won’t go away, you could be experiencing tennis elbow. Luckily, most patients with tennis elbow do not require surgery and may experience relief by visiting their local chiropractor.
If you can’t seem to get rid of your tennis elbow, Harlan Chiropractic & Acupuncture is here to provide you with relief.
Nothing is more essential than the health and wellbeing of you and your family. At Harlan Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we can provide you and your entire family with the care and attention you need to achieve your health goals. We remain committed to providing our patients with natural, sympathetic care and pain relief.
If you or a loved one is experiencing chronic pain caused by tennis elbow, schedule an appointment with Harlan Chiropractic & Acupuncture today to get the pain relief you deserve.