Elbow inflammation refers to pain and tenderness in the outer part of the elbow as a result of damage to the tendon that connects the forearm and elbow. This is usually caused by everyday activities, including, of course, playing tennis. Elbow inflammation can require surgery to cure, but simple self-medicating methods can also effectively treat this common ailment.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Home Remedies
Step 1. Rest
As with any illness and injury, the most important thing you should do is rest. In this case, make sure you get enough sleep and rest your arm to avoid repetitive motions that might damage the hamstring even more.
Step 2. Use ice or cold therapy
Wrap an ice pack in a thin towel and apply it to the affected area for 15 minutes 3 to 4 times a day.
Step 3. Use support tools
The elbow brace will protect the damaged tendon during the healing process. However, make sure to wear it under the area of the arm that hurts, not just above the elbow.
Step 4. Do the elbow muscle exercise
There are some special moves to help speed healing. However, don't do the exercise if you still feel pain, as you can make things worse.
- Stretch the wrist extensor. To do this, extend the painful hand in an upright position towards the torso, and make a fist. Take the other arm and grasp the top of the fist and press it down, so that your hand remains outstretched but your wrist is now facing the ground. Hold this position for 20 seconds then release, repeat five times.
- Stretch the wrist flexors. To do this, extend the painful hand in an upright position towards the torso, with the forearm facing up. Flip your hands back so that your fingers are facing the ground. Take your finger with the other hand, then push it in the opposite direction of your body until you feel a slight tug on your lower midriff. Hold this position for 20 seconds, then repeat five times.
Step 5. Do the ball squeezing exercise
For this exercise you will need something to “press” or a tennis ball. This exercise targets the flexors of the forearm as well as the small muscles in your forearm and hand. This will drastically strengthen your grip so that you can carry out activities as usual. Sit on a chair and hold the ball in your sore hand. squeeze the ball and hold for 3 seconds, then release. Do this until you can hold the ball as long as possible. This exercise needs to be done for 10 squeezes, twice a day.
Method 2 of 3: Visiting the Doctor
Step 1. Do physical therapy
So far, therapy is an excellent treatment for elbow inflammation, as it will help heal injured tissue and reduce pressure on the tendons. Visiting a therapist can also give you the ability to do some special exercises that require a partner.
Step 2. Visit a professional masseuse
Manipulating the muscles and tendons in your forearms is a good way to release the stress that builds up. This can reduce inflammation that occurs in the long term.
Step 3. Take the recommended medication
Your doctor may be able to give you an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that can help reduce pain and swelling in your elbow.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Elbow Relapse
Step 1. Avoid repetitive movements
It's very easy to sprain a tendon, so avoid always overusing your hands. Also avoid lifting heavy objects or doing strenuous physical exercise.
Step 2. Continue your practice
Exercises done to treat elbow inflammation can also help you prevent it from happening. So train your wrists in their flexors and extensors whenever you can.
Step 3. Try autologous blood treatment or platelet injections
They are a treatment in which the patient's blood or platelets are injected into the injured area of the arm to speed healing. If your elbow inflammation recurs frequently, talk to your doctor about using this medication.
Tips
- Treatment time can vary, and can last for weeks or months, or even years. Talk to your doctor about the severity of your injury.
- Inflammation of the elbow is not the same for everyone, so don't worry if the pain you experience has a different response from other people when doing therapy.
