Treating Elbow Tendonitis

What Is Elbow Tendonitis?

Elbow tendinitis is a condition that is characterized by pain and inflammation of the tendons surrounding the elbow. 2 forms of tendinitis affect individuals, including:

• Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow): Considered the most common form of Elbow tendonitis, affects approximately 40 to 50 percent of adults who play racquet sports. The pain associated with this condition is most often felt on the outside of the elbow joint.
• Medial Epicondylitis (golfer's elbow): The pain associated with this condition is usually felt along the elbow's inner side. Despite its name, it's more common amongst those with jobs that require repeated elbow movements, such as construction.

While Elbow tendonitis is frequently seen in those who participate in sports, other causes can include:

• Carpentry work
• Raking
• Cleaning
• Knitting

If you've started to notice acute or repeated pain in your elbow, then you must speak with your preferred medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis. Initially, your doctor or chiropractor may simply conduct a physical examination to look for any apparent inflammation signs in the area.

They'll also likely ask you several questions regarding your day-to-day activities and about any recent injuries you may have sustained. Read on to learn more about elbow tendonitis treatment.

Exercises To Help Treat Elbow Tendonitis

Exercise is an excellent treatment for Elbow tendonitis because it strengthens the forearm's muscles, allowing you better to rehabilitate your inflamed and/or injured elbow tendons. A few great elbow tendonitis exercises to try are:

• Weighted Wrist Turns – With a light weight in hand (half a pound or 1-2 pounds), bend your elbow at a right angle. Then, extend the hand out with the palm facing up. Slowly start to rotate the wrist until your palm faces down and hold the position for 5 seconds. Repeat for a total of 10 reps per side.
• Elbow Bend – Stand up and let your arms fall naturally at your side. Slowly bend your arm until your wrist reaches your shoulder and hold the position for 15-30 seconds. Repeat for a total of ten lifts per side.
• Towel Twists – Hold on to the ends of a towel and twist the towel in opposite directions (think wringing out a towel full of water). Repeat 10 times in each direction.
• Finger Stretches – Take turns placing each finger to your thumb and put a rubber band around them. Slowly open and close each finger 25 times.
• Ball Squeezing – involves gently squeezing and releasing a stress ball 25-30 times.

Other Treatment Options For Elbow Tendonitis

While exercises to help treat elbow tendonitis can prove extremely beneficial, some alternative remedies are worth trying, such as:

• Massage Therapy – This form of therapy helps enhance circulation around the elbow and is often combined with friction therapy to help break down the tension in the elbow's tendons, allowing your body to relax and reduce pain.
• Ultrasound Therapy – The use of an ultrasound machine stimulates a natural healing response from any damaged tissues, such as damage in the tendons around the elbow.
• Water Therapy – Is a form of rehabilitation that allows you to perform various exercises in water, which reduces the impact of the exercise and the stress it can cause on the body.