Tennis elbow is a condition that involves pain and inflammation of the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, a bony bump on the outer part of the elbow. Here are some treatment options for tennis elbow:
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Rest: The first step towards recovery is to give your arm proper rest. Avoid activities that cause pain or discomfort.
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Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
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Physical therapy: Specific exercises can help strengthen the muscles of the forearm and improve muscle healing. Ultrasound, ice massage, or muscle-stimulating techniques may also be used.
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Brace: Using a brace centered over the back of your forearm may help relieve symptoms of tennis elbow by resting the muscles and tendons.
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Steroid injections: Steroids, medicines that contain synthetic versions of the hormone cortisol, are sometimes used to treat tennis elbow. The injection will be given directly into the painful area around the elbow. Steroid injections are only likely to give short-term relief and their long-term effectiveness is poor.
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Surgery: If symptoms do not respond after 6 to 12 months of nonsurgical treatments, surgery may be recommended. Most surgical procedures for tennis elbow involve removing diseased muscle and reattaching healthy muscle back to bone. Arthroscopic surgery is also an option.
It is important to note that most cases of tennis elbow will heal on their own with proper rest and self-care measures. However, if pain persists or worsens, it is recommended to seek medical attention from a healthcare provider with expertise in relieving pain and restoring function to the elbow.