How To Stop Tennis Elbow Pain

Determining how to stop tennis elbow pain is often a high priority for those suffering from tennis elbow. Tennis elbow is an overuse injury in which the muscles and tendons attached to the outside of the elbow become damaged, causing inflammation and pain in this area. Although tennis and related racquet sports can certainly cause tennis elbow, various other activities involving repetitive forearm and hand motions can also lead to the condition. Several techniques can help alleviate tennis elbow pain.

1. Ice pack. Using an ice pack on the forearm and elbow area can reduce pain and swelling from tennis elbow. Fifteen to twenty minutes at a time of ice pack usage is recommended, up to three times a day.
2. Brace. Placing a brace on the forearm and elbow can help to stop tennis elbow pain by keeping the affected area still and allowing the muscles and tendons to rest. At least two weeks of brace usage is recommended for maximum effectiveness.
3. Stretching. Tennis elbow pain may be lessened by performing exercises several times a day that stretch the forearm and wrist muscles.
4. Medication. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medications can help stop tennis elbow pain and swelling.
5. Equipment adjustment. If the cause of your tennis elbow is indeed from playing a racquet sport, check to make sure that you're using the proper equipment. For example, switching to a stiffer or smaller racquet can enable the muscles in your forearm to not have to strain as much when using the racquet.
6. Steroid injection. If home treatments are not helping enough to stop tennis elbow pain, your doctor may determine the need for a steroid injection. Injecting a steroid such as cortisone into the affected muscle can alleviate pain and inflammation caused by tennis elbow.