Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the tendons that join the muscles of the forearm on the outside of the elbow.Athletes aren't the only ones who stress the forearm muscles, however. Painters, plumbers, carpenters and computer users also may be vulnerable.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests how to alleviate the pain of tennis elbow:
- Take a break from activities that caused the condition for a few days, resting your elbow as much as possible.
- Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (aspirin, Aleve, for example) to ease pain and swelling.
- Consider physical therapy to strengthen muscles in your forearm.
- Wear a protective arm brace during activities that led to the condition.