Elbow Tendonitis Treatment

Tendons are cords of tough, fibrous connective tissues that connect muscles to bones which are found in the entire human body. Tendonitis is basically inflammation or irritation of these tendons, which may lead to severe pain and discomfort in the affected area. Elbow tendonitis or tennis elbow is the inflammation of the tendons connected to the lateral, or outside the elbow at the bony bump of the humerus i.e. upper arm bone. Sudden increase in the intensity of the exercise, repetitive movement of the elbow over a prolonged period, injury, vitamin deficiency, genetic abnormalities, aging, etc. are some common causes for elbow tendonitis.

Research shows that nearly half of the tennis players usually suffer elbow tendinitis at some point in their life. Elbow tendonitis patients suffer intense pain on the outer or top part of the elbow, which may spread further up to the forearm and occasionally even to the hand. The patients may experience pain and uneasiness while performing any elbow activity like grasping or holding an object. Along with this, the patient may also suffer a burning or hot sensation around the elbow area, which may also be accompanied by a feeling of weakness, especially at night or after any physical activity.

Treatment for Elbow Tendonitis

Elbow tendonitis treatment is a process of curing and rebuilding the affected area. The ultimate aim of the treatment is to reduce the inflammation or swelling and relieve pain. With proper care and treatment, tendonitis pain usually lessens within a 3 weeks but needs more time (nearly 6 weeks) to recover completely.

Medicines
Before referring any medications, the doctor will conduct some tests like X-rays, MRI or ultrasound to examine the affected area. He may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, that will help relieve tendonitis pain by dilating the blood vessels and reducing the stiffness of the elbow tissues. In severe cases, he may even give weak steroid injections that will help rebuild and strengthen the area. The patient may also have to use braces to limit movement and support the tendons. Quite often, ultrasound is employed by doctors and/or physicians to break down scar tissue around the tendon. Ultrasound uses sound waves, that vibrate at a very high intensity to improve circulation and soften the affected area. However, in extreme cases where the condition cannot be treated by any other method, surgery is the only resort left.

Self Care
R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression and elevation) is the most commonly used treatment to cure elbow tendonitis. Basically, it means rest your elbow and avoid straining it, apply ice pack several times a day for 15 - 20 minutes, to reduce pain and inflammation in the area. Wrapping the affected area with a simple ace bandage and keeping the elbow at an elevated level helps in relieving pain and swelling in the affected area. Another method of treatment is massage therapy, which prevents the scar tissues from developing and breaks down the existing scar tissues around the elbow. It is the best way to ease the pain of tendonitis and helps the tendons in recovery. If possible, along with massage therapy, apply light stretching and non-impact aerobic conditioning and some light resistance and strengthening exercises, but with caution.

While following any of the above treatments, make sure that you give tendons enough time to recover before returning to the activities that caused pain initially. Hence, the key to successful elbow tendonitis treatment is patience and precaution. Warming up the tendons before and after exercising and strengthening them with resistance training helps prevent the risk of having elbow tendonitis in future.