Elbow tendonitis involves irritation of the tendons connecting forearm muscles to the bone around the elbow joint. It is commonly known as “tennis elbow” or “golfer’s elbow.” “Tennis elbow,” or lateral epicondylitis, affects the outer elbow, while “golfer’s elbow,” or medial epicondylitis, impacts the inner side. These conditions result from injury to the forearm’s tendons, often due to overuse or repetitive strain.
Immediate Home Care
Initial management of elbow tendonitis often begins with self-care strategies to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Resting the affected arm by avoiding activities that worsen the pain is a primary step. Applying ice to the painful area for 15-20 minutes, several times a day, helps decrease swelling and numb the pain. The RICE method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—is a common approach for acute injuries.
Compression, using a brace or strap around the forearm, can help reduce pressure on the injured tendons and provide support. Elevating the elbow above heart level, when practical, can also help reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, can manage pain and reduce inflammation. Listening to the body and modifying activities to avoid pain are important for effective recovery.
Medical Treatment Options
When home care measures do not provide sufficient relief, various medical treatments can help manage elbow tendonitis. Physical therapy is a common and effective approach, focusing on exercises and techniques to strengthen muscles around the elbow and improve flexibility. Therapists may use massage or other modalities to aid healing. These exercises often involve gradual strengthening and stretching to restore function and prevent stiffness.
Corticosteroid injections involve injecting anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation. While they offer quick, short-term pain relief, their long-term effectiveness is debated, and repeated injections are generally not recommended due to potential tissue damage. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use a patient’s own processed blood, rich in platelets and growth factors, injected into the injured tendon to promote natural healing. PRP aims to stimulate tissue regeneration and has shown promise in reducing pain and improving function, sometimes outperforming corticosteroid injections in the long term.
Surgery is typically considered a last resort for chronic and severe cases of elbow tendonitis that have not responded to at least six months to a year of conservative treatments. Surgical procedures usually involve removing damaged tissue and reattaching healthy tendon to the bone. Recovery from surgery can take several weeks to months, often requiring post-operative physical therapy to regain full range of motion and strength.
Long-Term Recovery and Avoidance
Sustaining recovery from elbow tendonitis and preventing its recurrence involves consistent self-care and lifestyle adjustments. Proper technique in activities, whether sports or work-related tasks, is crucial to minimize strain on the elbow tendons. This includes paying attention to grip, swing mechanics, and overall body movements to avoid excessive force or repetitive twisting. Ergonomic adjustments at workstations, such as proper keyboard and mouse positioning, can also reduce stress on the forearm and elbow.
Gradually returning to activities after a period of rest allows the tendons to heal without re-injury. It is important to avoid overexertion and to listen to the body’s signals, as pain can indicate more rest or activity modification. Incorporating regular stretching and strengthening exercises for the forearm muscles builds resilience in the tendons and supporting structures. These exercises help improve muscle strength and tendon quality, reducing the risk of developing tendonitis again.