How to Deal With Tennis Elbow

By Madhusudhan Tammisetti

Lateral epicondylitis, otherwise called tennis elbow, is a disorder that may affect anybody who repeatedly overuses the tendons in their wrist, elbow, or forearm. This may occur as a result of playing sports such as tennis, golf, racquetball, or baseball. It may also occur due to repetitive motion in a variety of professions.

Tennis elbow affects up to three percent of the U.S. population, affecting from three to nine million people. If you engage in racquet sports, that number rises to 10-50 percent. Men suffer more from tennis elbow compared to women. It happens most often in the age group of 30 to 50.

Tennis elbow may afflict anybody, including house painters, musicians, butchers, gardeners, assembly line workers, mechanics, grocery store checkout employees, plumbers, and carpenters.

Visiting a chiropractor may be helpful in treating tennis elbow. They may suggest resting the affected region or applying ice or heat to reduce the pain.

How to Sleep With Tennis Elbow

The secret to sleeping with a tennis elbow is to keep the afflicted arm as free of tension as possible. Don't sleep on the side of the injury instead sleep on the other side or the back. Use cushions or folded blankets to hold up both arms like you're sitting in a reclining armchair while sleeping on your back to prevent from moving too much. Both your injured arm and spine will be supported in this manner, reducing pain and suffering.

Rest the Affected Region

If possible, stop or drastically reduce the work that involves repetitive motion. This might be tough if the activity is necessary to one's livelihood, but taking a little break from work may prove beneficial. A chiropractor may be able to examine your work activities and determine the best approach to do them while minimizing stress to the damaged region.

Physical Therapy

Chiropractors may suggest heat treatment, cold therapy, massage, and particular exercises to help cure the injury and prevent re-injury. Between sessions and at the conclusion of the sessions, a chiropractor may help you with exercises and stretches. Keeping up with them may help you in avoiding future injuries.

Apply Ice and Heat

Use a cloth between an ice pack and the skin for 15 to 20 minutes every four to six hours. Gel packs don't freeze as firmly as ice packs and may be gently molded around the elbow region, and can be used to treat the affected region. Heat may help relieve pain after the primary injury has healed.

If you're suffering from pain in the elbow, wrist, or forearm, see a chiropractor. If your chiropractor diagnoses you with tennis elbow, follow the steps above to get relief, paying special care to rest the afflicted arm.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.

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