Tennis Elbow was first described by Runge in 1873. Consequently, it received several other names, such as lateral epicondylitis, tendonitis, and angiofibroblastic hyperplasia. The symptoms comprise wrist weakness and tenderness to touch at the lateral bony prominence. However, following effective remedies for tennis elbow will help you get instant results and eliminate the need for surgery.

Does resting your arms help?

In the first few days or weeks after the symptoms appear, but a little strain a possible on the arm. Try to avoid any activities that trigger the pain. Nonetheless, if the pain arises when you do specific exercises, stop doing them for a few weeks.

Types of elbow pain

To get instant elbow joint pain relief, it’s important to know the actual cause of the pain. There are three types of elbow pain that depend on the nature or type of injury your elbow suffers. It includes:

  1. One-time injuries
  • Your elbow pain might result from injury caused by one-off events such as an accident, sports injury, or a fall.
  • This type of pain can be symptomatic of several conditions, such as dislocated elbow, sprain, and fracture.
  1. Wear and tear injuries 
  • Elbow pain in these types of injuries is due to repetitive motions.
  • This type of injury is also known as a lifestyle injury.
  • It includes bursitis, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel.
  1. Diseases
  • Gout
  • Arthritis
  • Lupus
  • Lyme disease.

Other causes of elbow pain

  • The tendons that connect the muscles to the bone can be inflamed due to overuse.
  • Gout causes inflammation in the joints that can affect your elbow, resulting in pain.
  • Elbow pain can be a symptom of rheumatic fever.
  • Fractures or dislocations, including hairline fractures caused by stress.

How elbow pain is diagnosed?

Identifying the cause of elbow pain depends on a wide range of factors. For instance, your doctor will take a detailed history of the pain and other symptoms.

Consequently, according to the history, nature of the pain, level of health, your doctor will ask for several tests. It includes MRI imaging, X-ray, angiogram, and other lab tests.

At-home treatments for elbow pain

If you experience elbow soreness but can move your elbow, you can easily treat your symptoms by following some effective and natural remedies for tennis elbow. In addition, a combination of the following treatments will help you get instant relief.

  1. Physical therapy 
  • The goal of this treatment is to improve the strength and flexibility of your forearm muscles.
  • The therapists diagnose your specific condition and provide effective exercises for your current condition.
  • It improves your blood flow to the tendons that don’t get the same level of blood and oxygen supply as muscles normally receive.
  • The therapist starts with pain relief and shows you the exercises that stretch and strengthen your muscles.
  • A manual therapy technique, such as light mobilization and massage to the elbow, is also performed to reduce pain.
  1. Tape, straps, or braces 
  • It is an excellent treatment option for lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow.
  • The goal of a brace, strap, or tape is to protect your injury from the risk of further damages.
  • It restricts the movement of your tendons, muscles, and elbow joints.
  • It compresses the tissues and blood vessels in that area.
  • It allows you to perform various activities that would normally be painful.
  1. Elbow wand 
  • It is equipped with ultrasound and far-infrared technology to treat tennis elbow at home.
  • It is one of the best home treatments for elbow pain that comes with a special cooling jelly that leverages the power of ultrasound.
  • Apply the elbow wand jelly over your elbow and power on the elbow wand for pulsed waves.
  • Massage the oscillating probe in a circular motion on all sides of the elbow.
  • Don’t repeat the process for more than two cycles per session (a total of 30 minutes per session).
  1. Heat massage
  • It reduces the inflammation and pain that the tennis elbow causes.
  • It relaxes and expands the muscles around your elbow to improve your blood flow.
  • Consequently, the increased blood flow into the area will provide you with full use of your muscles for stretches.
  • It speeds up the healing process and alleviates your elbow pain faster.
  • However, you should avoid excessive use of heating pads as it increases the risk of damage to the skin and muscles.
  1. Ultrasound therapy
  • Therapeutic ultrasound therapy stimulates cell migration, collagen synthesis, and proliferation of tendon cells that benefit tendon healing.
  • It’s a therapeutic agent commonly used to treat sports-related musculoskeletal conditions, including tendinopathy and tendon injuries.
  • It is considered one of the best remedies for tennis elbow as it offers customizable exercise therapy programs for your elbow and forearm.
  • There is strong supporting evidence from animal studies about the positive effects of ultrasound on elbow pain.
  • In this process, the arms are exposed to high-frequency sound waves.
  1. Exercises 
  • Hold your arms straight without bending your elbow.
  • Use your other hand to hold the fingers of your outstretched hand and bend it back towards your body.
  • Keep yourself in this position for 15 seconds.
  • Repeat the same process three to five times.
  • You can hold it for up to 30 seconds and work your way up to repeat five to 10 times a day.
  1. Muscle stimulation 
  • EMS training strengthens the muscles and protects you from the overuse of the forearm muscles.
  • It helps in providing instant pain relief from the symptoms of elbow pain.
  • It prevents your nerves from transmitting the pain stimulus to the brain.
  • It is also effective in relieving tendinopathy pain and can be administered orally and topically.
  • You can safely use a TENS machine for 30-60 minutes to 4 times a day.

The bottom line 

Keep the momentums going even if you start getting relief from your elbow pain! These natural remedies for tennis elbow will improve your blood flow to the tendons and speed up your healing perfectly. Nevertheless, once your elbow is pain-free and your backhand is better than ever, try to keep your muscles strong and flexible.