5 Tips on Living with Tennis Elbow

5 Tips on Living with Tennis Elbow

Also referred to as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is a condition that causes complications in the joints around the elbow. Tennis elbow can take up to a month before the condition causes intense pain in the affected area. It is called tennis elbow because the majority of affected people are tennis players.

However, other people can have the condition, especially golfers and those above the age of 30. Tennis elbow is generally related to the dominant arm, although it can be experienced in either arm.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

• Pain is the first symptom experienced, especially on the outer part of the elbow.
• As time goes on, the condition can cause more intense pain when your hand is subjected to pressure. At this point, lifting or shaking hands can cause more pain.
• Swelling of the tissues in the affected area is also common.
• Problems stretching your hand or fingers

In diagnosing the condition, a doctor examines the hand by moving it at certain angles to check where the pain worsens. A doctor can also use screening equipment such as an MRI scan and X-rays to determine the cause.

Tips on Living with Tennis Elbow

In some cases the condition can be prevented, while other conditions are difficult to prevent. Golf and tennis players are at a much higher risk of tennis elbow, and it can be difficult to prevent the condition. Here are some of the tips you can follow when dealing with the condition.

1. Use of Painkillers

Tennis elbow is mostly characterized by too much pain around the affected tissues. This mostly results from damage of the tendons and muscle tissues in the elbow. This pain can also be caused by swelling of the elbow. The Majority of affected people can have difficulties moving the elbow due to the pain. Use pain relievers or oral medications such as naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

2. Exercise

Simple home exercises are known to be a good way of dealing with tennis elbow. The condition can result in high tension between tendons. Exercise reduces the stretch between tissue tendons hence preventing the condition. It also reduces swelling and pain symptoms.

3. Stay Safe

Since in some cases tennis elbow results from injuries, it is important to keep yourself safe from activities that can cause the condition to worsen. Wear protective straps to avoid injuries.

4. Rest

Repetitive movement of the elbow can worsen the condition. It can also be caused by subjecting the elbow to too much pressure. Rest your arms after a difficult job to avoid overuse.

5. Massage

It is a perfect method for people living with tennis elbow. Once you have the condition, it causes irregular flow of blood through the affected area as a result of swelling or damaged tissues. Massage helps in providing smooth blood flow to the affected area.

The Bottom Line

Living with tennis elbow requires following simple steps that help prevent worsening of the condition. You can also use natural remedies that help in relieving the pain. In cases where the symptoms are worsening, it is important to seek the help of your doctor to determine the best course of action.