Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition affecting the elbow and forearm. It is caused by repetitive overuse of the muscles in the forearm, which leads to inflammation and pain around the elbow joint.
The best tennis elbow treatment often involves a combination of rest, physical therapy, and medications:
Rest: Rest is an important part of treating tennis elbow. Resting the affected arm is essential to allow the inflammation to reduce and the condition to improve. Patients should avoid activities that aggravate the condition, such as gripping or lifting.
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Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is often used to treat tennis elbow. Exercise can help to strengthen the muscles and tendons in the forearm, which can improve pain and function. These exercises should be tailored to the individual, as each person will have different needs and abilities.
Medications: Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain. Corticosteroid injections may also be given, although this should be discussed with a doctor.
Other Treatments: In severe cases of tennis elbow, surgery may be recommended. Surgery is used to release the tendon and debride any damaged tissue. It is important to note that surgery should only be considered after other treatments have failed.
Tennis elbow is a common condition that can be treated successfully with rest, physical therapy, and medications. It is important to talk to a doctor about the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual.