Treating Tennis Elbow at Home – Natural Remedies and Strategies

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury of the forearm muscles that attach to the outside of the elbow. It’s often associated with activities that involve repetitive wrist and arm motions. Fortunately, there are several effective home remedies and natural strategies to manage and treat tennis elbow.

Tennis elbow results from the overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm and around the elbow joint. Symptoms typically include:

• Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow
• Weakness in the forearm
• Difficulty in hand and arm movements

Home Remedies for Tennis Elbow

1. Rest and Activity Modification

• Key Strategy: Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain.
• Purpose: Allows the tendons to heal and prevents further strain.

2. Ice Therapy

• Application: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every few hours.
• Benefits: Helps reduce pain and swelling.

3. Compression

• Method: Use an elbow strap or brace to reduce strain on the injured tendons.
• Advantages: Supports the muscle, alleviating pain and preventing further injury.

4. Elevation

• Technique: Keep the affected arm elevated to reduce swelling.
• Effectiveness: Assists in reducing inflammation.

Natural Remedies and Supplements

1. Anti-inflammatory Foods

• Examples: Include omega-3 rich foods like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, and antioxidants from fruits and vegetables.
• Benefits: Can naturally reduce inflammation and promote healing.

2. Herbal Remedies

• Herbs: Turmeric, ginger, and Boswellia are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Usage: Can be taken as supplements or used in cooking.

3. Topical Treatments

• Options: Arnica cream or gel, which can be applied to the affected area.
• Effectiveness: Known to reduce pain and inflammation.

Exercises for Tennis Elbow

Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help relieve tennis elbow symptoms.

1. Wrist Extensor Stretch

• Execution: Straighten your arm and gently bend your wrist backward, using your other hand to apply gentle pressure.
• Frequency: Hold for 15-20 seconds, repeat 2-3 times a day.

2. Wrist Extensor Strengthening

• Method: Use a light weight or resistance band to gently strengthen the wrist extensors.
• Guidance: Perform 10-15 repetitions, 2-3 times a day.

When to Seek Professional Help

If home remedies don’t provide relief or if the pain worsens, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. They can offer additional treatments such as physical therapy, steroid injections, or other interventions.

Ayurvedic Perspective

In Ayurveda, pain and inflammation are often viewed as imbalances in the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Ayurvedic treatments focus on restoring balance through therapies, diet, and lifestyle adjustments. While Ayurveda doesn’t specifically target tennis elbow, practices such as gentle yoga, massage with warm oils, and balancing the doshas through diet and lifestyle can support overall joint and muscle health.

Ayurvedic Treatments in Kerala for Joint Pain

Kerala, known as the cradle of Ayurveda, offers specialized treatments to manage conditions like tennis elbow. Traditional Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala includes therapies such as Abhyanga (oil massage), Pizhichil (therapeutic oil bath), and Kati Basti (herbal oil treatment), which are designed to reduce inflammation, promote blood circulation, and improve joint flexibility. These treatments, combined with herbal applications and dietary guidelines, help in managing pain and supporting long-term healing for joint-related ailments like tennis elbow.