What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a common condition that affects millions of individuals across the globe each year. Repetitive motions of the arm, elbow, and related tendons and muscles lead to this condition. Tennis elbow is medically referred to as ‘Lateral Epicondylitis’. The condition mainly affects sportspersons who are involved in activities that use arm and elbow.
What are the Signs and Symptoms?
Patients experience a varying degree of pain, which is the most common symptom of tennis elbow. It worsens with time and at the time when the patient tries to bend an arm or extend it.
Some of the signs include:
Trouble shaking hands
Difficulty gripping an object
Pain in the outer elbow, which turns chronic when left untreated
Causes of Tennis Elbow
The primary cause of tennis elbow is an injury caused due to excessive use of the elbow muscles and tendons. Some of the other factors that increase one’s risk of developing tennis elbow include the following:
- Regular use of plumbing tools
- Repetitive use of the computer mouse
- Painting
- Driving screws
- Cutting up ingredients such as meat
- Age (individuals between 30 and 50 years of age are at higher risk)
- Playing certain sports (racket sports)
Natural Remedies to Cure Tennis Elbow
1. Ginger:
Ginger has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. It helps in treating pain caused by tennis elbow. All you need to do is boil a small piece of ginger root in water for about 10 minutes. Now strain this mixture and drink it warm. You may add some honey to sweeten it. This tea should be taken at least 3-4 times a day.
2. Turmeric:
Drinking a cup of turmeric milk will help relieve the pain. Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder into a glass of hot milk and stir well. Allow it to cool a bit and add a few drops of honey. You need to drink it while it is still warm. The curcumin in turmeric expedites the process of healing and minimizes pain and inflammation.
3. Fenugreek:
Loaded with anti-inflammatory properties, fenugreek is an effective home remedy for tennis elbow. Grind 1-2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds with milk into a fine paste. Apply it on affected areas and leave on for 1-2 hours. Rinse with warm water.
4. Supportive Strap:
Wear one to protect the tendons of the elbow. It will help in the healing process.
5. Comfrey Leaves:
These leaves are natural analgesics with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Simply soak a few leaves in water and apply directly to the affected area. Now wrap a cloth around the elbow covering the leaves. The treatment will reduce swelling and pain.
6. Ice pack:
Ice has the ability to act as an anti-inflammatory agent. You can place a pack of ice over the elbow for at least fifteen minutes to get instant relief from pain and reduce swelling of tendons in the elbow. Do this at least four to five times a day for better results.
7. Pineapple:
You may be surprised to know that pineapple can help treat tennis elbow. This tasty fruit comprises of bromelain, which is very effective in treating inflammation. So consume it raw or juice it and relish a glass daily.
8. Garlic:
Prepare a paste of around 5-6 garlic cloves. Now, apply this paste directly on the affected area. Garlic is loaded with antioxidants, powerful ingredients such as allicin, anti-inflammatory compounds, sulfur, and selenium, garlic can provide quick relief from pain and swelling caused by tennis elbow.
9. Compression:
One of the easiest and effective remedies is to wrap elastic bandages around the elbow. It is very useful in providing comfort and much needed support to the joints. Compression is also beneficial in minimizing swelling.
10. Contrast Hydrotherapy:
The procedure involves alternating hot and cold compresses on the affected area. Heat increases blood circulation and decreases pain. Cold compress is helpful in reducing inflammation and swelling. Start by wrapping a hot water bottle in a thin towel. Use another towel for wrapping ice cubes. Now place the hot compress on the affected area for 3-4 minutes. Remove and place the cold compress for 1-2 minutes. You need to follow the remedy for at least a few times daily to get relief.
11. Cabbage Leaves:
Cabbage leaves are very helpful in treating tennis elbow. Put them in water for some time and then, place them over affected areas. You may tie it gently as a bandage overnight. The remedy will help relieve swelling and pain.
Related Post:
Natural Home Remedies for Quick Pain Relief
Reference:
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/effective-home-remedies-for-tennis-elbow/#gref
