Tennis elbow, a form of tendinitis, causes inflammation and pain on the outside of the upper arm near the elbow. Repeated movement of the forearm or wrist causes the condition, which commonly occurs in tennis players. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that most people recover from tennis elbow without surgical intervention, using treatments that include heat therapy, local cortisone injections and physical therapy. Home remedies may also help relieve tennis elbow pain. Consult a doctor if this is the first time you have experienced the condition, or if home treatment does not improve your symptoms.
Ice Packs
MayoClinic.com recommends applying ice as soon as possible after an injury to help relieve tennis elbow pain. Make a simple ice pack by filling a plastic zipper-lock bag with ice cubes. Wrap the bag in a clean, thin towel, and apply the pack directly to the affected area. An ice massage, which consists of rubbing a piece of ice directly over the area, may also provide some relief. Keep the ice in constant motion for three to four minutes each session, and repeat three to four times a day for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury for the best results.
Comfrey Poultice
The herb comfrey helps expedite healing and relieves pain caused by tennis elbow and other tendon-related injuries, according to Joan and Lydia Wilen in "More Chicken Soup & Other Folk Remedies." Place 1 cup dried comfrey leaves in a heat-proof bowl, and cover with hot water. Let the mixture steep until cool, about an hour. Strain, and place the damp leaves between two layers of clean cotton or muslin cloth. Squeeze the poultice to remove excess liquid, and apply directly to your painful elbow. Change the poultice every two to three hours, and use as long as necessary to relieve pain.
Ginger Tea
Ginger has potent anti-inflammatory properties, and consuming ginger tea may help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with tennis elbow. In the book "Natural Remedies: Nondrug Healing Strategies That Work Best," the Prevention Health Books staff suggests drinking 2 to 3 cups of ginger tea daily while suffering from tennis elbow. Steep 1/2 tsp. dried ginger root in 1 cup boiling water for 20 minutes, and strain. Sweeten with honey if desired, and drink while hot. Use this remedy in conjunction with other external treatments for the best results. If dried ginger root is not available, stir 1/4 tsp. ground ginger into a cup of hot water and drink.
Compression
Compressing the injured elbow may help alleviate tennis elbow pain, according to Janet Zand, author of "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living." Wrap your elbow in an elastic bandage or strips of cotton cloth. Wrap firmly enough to support your elbow and prevent the area from swelling, but not so tight that you limit circulation. Allow the bandage or cloth strips to remain in place, compressing your elbow, for 30 minutes. Remove the dressing for 15 minutes, allowing full circulation to return. Repeat the process over a period of several hours, or as long as needed to reduce pain.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tennis Elbow
- MayoClinic.com: Tennis Elbow Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- "More Chicken Soup & Other Folk Remedies"; Joan Wilen, Lydia Wilen; 2000
- "Natural Remedies: Nondrug Healing Strategies That Work Best"; Prevention Health Books Staff; 1999
- "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living"; Janet Zand, Allan N. Spreen, James B. LaValle; 1999
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