How To Treat Tennis Elbow

By keeping some basic guidelines in mind, you can learn how to treat tennis elbow.  By treating tennis elbow properly and in a timely manner, you can maintain normal function, and prevent more serious damage.

1. Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor. Make sure to tell your doctor how to condition developed, how long you have experienced, and the severity of the symptoms. Try to obtain as much information about treatment options as possible.
2. Obtain an x-ray of your elbow. This will tell you how damaged the elbow really is. Be sure to encourage the x-ray technician to take as many x-rays as possible in order to allow for clear evaluation of the damage.
3. Take all medications prescribed by your doctor. Typically, you will be instructed to take aspirin or ibuprofen in order to reduce inflammation associated with tennis elbow.
4. Elevate the affected arm over your heart, resulting in diminished blood flow to the elbow. This helps to reduce and prevent inflammation. Other ways to reduce inflammation include placing ice on the elbow three times per day, and compressing with a tight bandage in order to prevent further overuse.
5. If you don't notice any improvement in the condition of your elbow, contact a surgeon. Your elbow may require a specific type of surgery that is often prescribed for individuals with chronic tennis elbow.
6. Make sure to allow adequate time for the elbow to heal properly. Using the elbow too soon may result in further, more severe tennis elbow damage.