Healing tennis elbow quickly involves rest, pain management, and reducing inflammation. Here's a breakdown of key steps:
Key Steps for Fast Tennis Elbow Healing:
- Rest: The most crucial step. Immediately stop activities that aggravate the pain. Continued use will hinder healing and potentially worsen the condition.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide significant relief.
- Consider medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). Follow dosage instructions carefully.
- Ice Therapy: Apply ice or a cold pack to the affected area for 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. This helps reduce inflammation and numb the pain.
Additional Considerations:
While the above provides initial relief, consider consulting with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive treatment plan. This may include:
- Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles around the elbow and improve range of motion.
- Bracing: A tennis elbow brace can help support the muscles and tendons, reducing strain.
- Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation. However, these are typically not a long-term solution and can have side effects.
