Epicondylitis is a repetitive stress injury that causes inflammation of the tendons responsible for holding together the muscles as well as the bones on the outer side of the elbow. It is usually associated with playing tennis, but any repetitive motion of the forearm can cause it too.
Depending on the stage and the extent of the inflammation, you can try certain home remedies as a means of reducing the inflammation before going to see a doctor for more elaborate medical interventions. Here is a brief look at some of the home remedies you may consider for treating epicondylitis.
Allow Your Elbow Some Time to Rest
If you are experiencing too much irritation or inflammation in the elbow region, then allowing it some rest may be a simple yet effective treatment. All you have to do is rest the arm and not subject it to any movements that may trigger the pain or cause it to inflame further.
This doesn’t mean that your daily life has to come to a stop. You can proceed normally, but ensure that you are careful not to subject the arm to motions and actions that could potentially irritate the tendons.
Use Ice Treatment
Another great way to deal with elbow epicondylitis at home is to use ice treatments. With this treatment, all you need is a couple of ice packs placed on the elbow to reduce the pain and the inflammation. Take the ice pack and wrap it in a piece of cloth or towel then apply it to the elbow for about 20 minutes. Do this four times a day or until you feel the pain and the inflammation has substantially subsided.
Use a Shoulder Brace for Better Support
There are braces that you can use to protect your shoulder and offer it more support to help reduce the pain and the inflammation associated with elbow epicondylitis. You could get such braces from a variety of stores, but it is highly recommended that you talk to your doctor or a physical therapist for advice on the best use of elbow braces for your case.
They will also advise you on the best types, as well as the recommended duration that you must wear the braces before you can consider other measures.
Consider Over-the-Counter Medications
There are anti-inflammation medications available over the counter at drugstores which you can also use as a means of relief from epicondylitis. Again, it is wise that you talk to your doctor about these medications before using them since. They should not be relied upon for extended periods of time due to potential liver damage.
