Tennis elbow is a self-limiting condition; this means that it tends to spontaneous healing with rest. However, the pain can last several weeks or months, and if so, some treatments can help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery. Conventional (non-surgical) treatment is found to be successful in approximately 80-95% of patients how to treat tennis elbow pain.
Pain associated with tennis elbow typically lasts for six to twelve weeks. However, in some people, the pain may affect the arm for less than three weeks, while in other patients the pain may be persistent (six months to two years). Epicondylitis, if not treated properly, can recur or become chronic.
The first step towards healing is to rest the affected arm during the period when the inflammation is acute. In addition, it is essential to try to avoid for several weeks the activity that caused the onset of the problem and that could further aggravate the disorder. Local applications of a cold compress to be placed against the elbow for a few minutes, several times a day, they can help relieve pain and reduce the inflammatory process .
Taking pain relievers , such as acetaminophen , can help relieve mild pain caused by tennis elbow. Your doctor may also recommend the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) , such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen.. In addition to the forms to be taken systemically, NSAIDs are also available as creams and gels to be applied topically. Local application, therefore directly to the elbow and forearm, is often recommended for musculoskeletal disorders, as it can reduce inflammation and pain without causing side effects such as nausea and diarrhea.
The physical therapy may be recommended if the tennis elbow is more severe or persistent. Manual therapy techniques, such as massage and other manipulations, can help relieve pain and stiffness in the joint. Additionally, the physical therapist is able to show the patient specific exercises to keep the arm moving and strengthen the forearm muscles. In the short term, the use of a support bandage or brace may also be recommended, which prevent painful movement, ensure limb rest, and relieve tennis elbow symptoms.
Sometimes, for the treatment of particularly painful forms they can be consideredcorticosteroid injections (infiltrations) , which can help reduce pain, but clinical evidence supporting their use as an effective long-term treatment is limited Injection is given directly into the painful area in the elbow after administration of a local anesthetic.
Finally, if symptoms do not improve after at least one year of conservative therapy, invasive treatments, such as surgery , may be considered.
