Will Tennis Elbow Heal Without Treatment? What To Do For Joint Pain

Is Tennis Elbow Stopping Your Serve?

With the constant use of the body’s joints, joint pain seems almost inevitable. If that pain radiates from the outer arm, the reason could be a condition called tennis elbow. Tennis elbow happens when the tendons near the lateral epicondyle, the bony bump at the elbow joint, becomes inflamed. The condition can cause pain, swelling, and reduced grip strength. Although tennis elbow causes discomfort, there are a few ways to treat this joint pain.

More than a tennis-related injury

People hearing the name tennis elbow may assume that the condition is limited to tennis players. The injury is common amongst tennis players but is not limited to these athletes. Almost anyone can develop a tennis elbow. From swimmers and basketball players to carpenters and painters, anyone can get the injury. Statistics show that only 10% of cases are actually tennis players. Any overuse injury or blow to the arm can cause a tennis elbow.

Can it heal on its own?

Should someone with a tennis elbow ignore the injury? The body is resilient, and many may believe the joint will heal without treatment. Yes, tennis elbow rarely evolves into a severe condition. However, if left untreated, the pain and discomfort can go on for several months. Eventually, the joint pain can turn into reduced grip strength, weakness, and reduced range of motion. The pain can start to affect the quality of life. Luckily, there are some steps that injured persons can take before the joint pain reaches this stage.

Rest is best

For starters, rest is the simplest and most effective form of treatment. Most injuries come from overuse, so make sure to take enough rest between tasks. Resting the affected arm allows the tendons to stop firing. Couple the rest with an ice pack or heating pad to reduce any swelling or tenderness. Look for trigger points of the injury and manage the pain with adequate rest between activities. If the pain persists or the patient took too long to address the issue, other treatment options are available.

More advanced treatment options

If resting is not enough, a doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, commonly known as NSAIDs. NSAIDs block specific enzymes that cause inflammation. Doctors can also prescribe pain medication as needed. If the pain persists after several weeks, corticosteroids are an option, along with physical therapy. Corticosteroids are injections that can bring relief for several months at a time. On the other hand, physical therapy is a range of exercises to improve the range of motion. Most joint pain responds well to both forms of treatment.

Surgery as a last resort

In rare cases, the doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery is best if there’s an apparent injury to the tendon seen via digital imaging. To address the issue, the surgeon will make small incisions to access the damaged tendon. From there, small tools are inserted into the arm to cut away the tissue. The surgery has a high success rate and is accompanied by physical therapy. Speak with the surgeon about the requirements of recovery and concerns about complications.

Tennis elbow needs your attention

For most people with tennis elbow problems, the pain can be managed with rest and medication. In severe cases, physical therapy and surgery may be the best options. Regardless of the degree of injury, the joint pain will not heal without some type of treatment. Don’t ignore the pain and symptoms. Speak with a doctor immediately for a game plan to treat tennis elbow for good.