Causes, Remedies and diet for Tennis Elbow

Causes, Remedies and diet for Tennis Elbow 

A. Causes of Tennis ElbowOne of the major causes of tennis elbow is repetitive strain or overuse of the outer part of the elbow. This is usually the result of repetitive backward extension of the wrist against resistance. Activities like squash, tennis or badminton usually cause this kind of wrist extension but day to day activities could also be a cause. Some of most common causes of tennis elbow include:

1.Bad backhand technique while playing racquet sports like tennis

2.A small or inadequate racquet grip

3.Playing with a racquet that has very tight strings

4.Playing racquet sports with heavy and wet balls

5.Manuel jobs that involve extensive use of the elbow such as typing, painting, plumbing, carpentry and gardening.

The onset of tennis elbow is either sudden or late in most cases. Sudden exertion such as in a late backhand in tennis can cause tennis elbow. In this action, the wrist extensors get strained causing microscopic tears in the tendons. On the other hand, a late onset occurs within 24-72 hours after a strained wrist extension.

B.Remedies for Tennis ElbowConservative and non-surgical treatments can cure tennis elbow in almost 90% cases. Rest is the best treatment for this condition along with other conventional treatment options. One of the best home remedies for tennis elbow is to apply ice on the affected elbow 6 times a day for at least 20 minutes. However, never apply the ice directly but rather wrap it in a washcloth or thin towel. It is also helpful to use a supportive strap to reduce strain on the affected tendons. As a cure for tennis elbow, doctors generally recommend anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid injections for pain relief. Physiotherapy is also helpful in reducing inflammation and pain caused by tennis elbow. Other than conventional dugs and medications, there are also a number of natural remedies for tennis elbow treatment at home. Some of these simple home remedies are as follows:

1.Calendula oil massaged into the affected elbow helps in providing effective pain relief for those suffering from tennis elbow. Massaging the elbow twice a day is a good home cure for tennis elbow.

2.Similarly, you can also use avocado oil for massaging the affected elbow for relief from inflammation and pain.

3.Alternative hot and cold compresses are a great way to relieve pain and swelling caused by tennis elbow.

4.One of the most effective home remedies for tennis elbow is potato pack. Baked potatoes wrapped in a cloth and applied to the aching elbow are a great way to reduce swelling and pain.

5.Applying a ginger poultice is another good home remedy for tennis elbow. You can also drink ginger tea 3 times a day while suffering from this condition. Ginger has strong anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of tennis elbow.

6.One of the useful herbal home remedies for tennis elbow is white willow bark. It contains salicin, which is a powerful pain reliever and can effectively treat conditions like tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatism and arthritis.

C.Diet for Tennis Elbow
In addition to the home remedies mentioned above, there are a number of natural ingredients that you can include in the daily diet, to get relief from the symptoms of tennis elbow. The right diet not only helps alleviate symptoms of tennis elbow but also expedites the process of healing.

1.For effective tennis elbow treatment at home, you can include celery in your daily diet. Fresh celery juice and celery extracts are both good cures for tennis elbow. Consuming warm water with 8-10 drops of celery extract is an effective remedy for reducing pain and inflammation caused by tennis elbow.

2.Similarly, omega 3 fatty acids are equally effective in providing pain relief. Fish such as mackerel and salmon are rich sources of omega 3 fatty acids and should therefore be included in the daily diet while suffering from this condition. Flax seeds are another good cure for tennis elbow.

3.Foods such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage, whole grains, nuts, blueberries and green tea should be included in the daily diet.

4.Pineapples eaten whole or fresh pineapple juice is also beneficial for tennis elbow treatment. Pineapples are rich in vitamin C that helps in building collagen. They are also rich in bromelain, which contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce pain and swelling caused by tennis elbow.

5.Foods like milk, cheese and eggs are rich sources of minerals and vitamins that should be a part of your daily diet while suffering from tennis elbow. These nutrients can help in the recovery of the inflamed tendons and muscle coverings.

6.Low fat protein food such as chicken helps in building new tendon material thereby effectively treating problems like tennis elbow.

7.Barley also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate the painful symptoms of tennis elbow.