Tennis Elbow

Lateral epicondylitis, or ‘tennis elbow’, is a condition that refers to an inflammation of the tendons attached to the protruding bone above the elbow joint. The skin in this area becomes tender and painful. Broken tendons or degenerated growth of tendon muscles lead to this condition. An individual with a tennis elbow have difficulty in carrying, lifting, or gripping an object.

It is also known as tendonitis for it is associated with tendon injury.

Symptoms
Most common symptoms of tennis elbow are painful sensation when moving the wrist, stretching the fingers or bending the hand. The patient also has difficulty in lifting or grasping objects due to pain. The muscles at the back of the forearm are tight and tender.

Causes
Damaged muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the elbow joint cause tennis elbow. Putting excessive pressure on the elbow and radial nerves will irritate the elbow muscles.

Stress, muscle exertion, repetitive elbow movements, and elbow injury can further aggravate the inflammation.

Home Remedies
Hot and cold packs: Apply ice pack over the elbow joint. Leave for 15-20 minutes. Repeat treatment every 2-3 hours to reduce the pain and swelling. Alternate with hot packs to provide more comfort to the elbow.

Zostrix: Zostrix is a derivative of hot pepper. Wrap it around the elbow joint to relieve pains.

Potato: Make a potato pack by baking raw potatoes. Apply it on the affected elbow while still warm. It will help relieve the pain.

Diets
Celery: Make a celery juice extract from its seeds. Mix 5-10 drops of this juice with hot water and take it before meals. It is an effective remedy for rheumatism and will relieve joint pains.
Omega-3: Take an omega-3 supplements or through foods sources such as fishes to reduce pain an inflammation of the joints. Omega-3 fatty acids are good remedies for arthritic patients.

Further Suggestions
Avoid stressful activities.

Take physical exercises regularly.

Avoid overexerting the elbows to prevent pain attacks.

When suffering from tennis elbow, move the arm slowly and smoothly to avoid aggravating the condition.