How to help heal a Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a condition that is most likely to affect a tennis player in his lifetime. Also called Lateral Epicondylitis it is the result of a muscle strain on the wrist extensors that are attached on the elbow. If these muscles are over used, which is the case in playing tennis for a long time, it can cause an inflammation. As the inflammation sets in, the area usually becomes sore and painful to the touch. Eventually, small tears can appear in the muscle. If this is caused by your practice of tennis (it can also be caused by other activities such as painting, hammering and such), your best option is to rest for a while and allow the micro tears to heal.

The symptoms areas follow:
Pain usually appears when the person tries lifting or carrying heavy and sometimes even light ones objects. Sometimes, the pain can radiate down the arm and to the wrist. The concerned person can also have difficulties extending his forearm.

There are a few relief methods for people with a tennis elbow other than rest. If the pain important, applying ice can help bring temporary relief. Anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin can be effective as well. Some doctors prescribe to practice exercises designed to strengthen the elbow and to allow the patient to go back to his activity sooner. Some sport’s stores sell elbow brace designed for this specific condition. Massages have also been proven to increase healing.

If you tend to have recurring pain, try and see with your doctor if he would consider cortisone injections that will dramatically reduce your tendon’s inflammation. Unfortunately, due to the fact that tendons do not receive as much oxygen as muscles they tend to heal much more slowly as well. A long period of rest is of course essential, since if the micro tears do not heal thoroughly they are likely to reopen themselves again as soon as you get back to your game. If this happens, a small haemorrhage can set it leading to the formation of rough tissues inside the elbow. So as soon as you feel a tennis elbow setting in, it is a sign for you to lay off the court a bit before going back to your game, stronger than ever!

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