Here are the top 10 home remedies for tennis elbow. Also, consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
1. Ice
Icing the elbow is one of the simplest and easiest ways to reduce pain and swelling. Ice may also help to prevent progression of the condition. Instead of ice, you can also use a frozen pea bag.
- Wrap some ice cubes in a thin towel.
- Rest your elbow on a pillow or other cushioned area.
- Place the towel gently on the affected area.
- Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Repeat several times a day until the pain is gone.
Note: Never put ice directly on the skin.
2. Contrast Hydrotherapy
Contrast hydrotherapy, which means alternating hot and cold compresses on the affected area, is another good remedy for tennis elbow. While the heat will increase blood circulation and reduce pain, the cold will reduce inflammation as well as swelling.
- Wrap a hot water bottle in a thin towel and wrap some ice cubes in another towel.
- Place the hot compress on the affected area for about three minutes.
- Remove the compress and immediately put a cold compress on the affected area for about one minute.
- Continue alternating compresses as noted for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Follow this remedy a few times daily until you get relief.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, which works as an anti-inflammatory agent as well as a natural painkiller. Furthermore, turmeric is rich in antioxidants that eliminate free radicals and speeds up healing time.
- Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder in one cup of milk. Heat it over low heat. Add a little honey and then drink this twice a day, at least for a few weeks.
- Another option is to take 250 to 500 milligram turmeric capsules three times daily, but consult with your doctor first.
4. Ginger
Ginger has strong anti-inflammatory properties that help a lot in alleviating the symptoms of tennis elbow.
- Cut a small piece of ginger root and boil it in two cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain and add a little honey. Drink it slowly, three times daily until the pain is gone.
- Applying a ginger poultice on the affected area will also help. Take four tablespoons of freshly grated ginger and wrap it tightly in a cotton bag. Put the bag in hot water for less than one minute and allow it to cool. Put it on the affected area for 15 minutes. Repeat the process several times daily until there is improvement.
5. Massage
Massaging the affected area with calendula oil or avocado oil is another effective home remedy for tennis elbow. Both calendula oil and avocado oil can give relief from inflammation and pain. Plus, massaging improves blood circulation and soothes sore muscles.
- Apply oil on the affected area. Do friction massage by rubbing your thumb back and forth over the sore tendon.
- Another option is to go for trigger-point massage using firm, long strokes.
You must massage two or three times daily until the pain is gone.
Watch this video to learn more about tennis elbow trigger-point massage.
6. St. John’s Wort
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, St. John’s wort can also help heal a tennis elbow. Additionally, it works as an analgesic for pain relief.
- Mix two teaspoons of dried St. John’s wort in a cup of hot water. Cover and steep it for 10 minutes. Strain and add a little honey. Drink two cups of this herbal tea daily until you get the desired result.
- Alternatively, you can apply St. John’s wort oil on the affected area several times a day for a few days.
Note: Do not use this herb if you are taking any prescription medication.
