Tennis Elbow

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Tennis elbow is a painful swelling and irritation of the tendons and muscles in the elbow. Tendons are tissues that connect muscle to bone. Tennis elbow usually affects adults. It may take weeks to months to heal.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

• Medicines:
  
  
  • Keep a written list of what medicines you take and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicines. Do not take any medicines without first talking to caregivers.
    
    
  • Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking it until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking antibiotics (an-ti-bi-ah-tiks), take them until they are all gone even if you feel better.
    
    
  • Over-the-counter pain medicine: You may use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for pain or swelling. These medicines may be bought without a caregiver's order. These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when they are not used correctly. People with certain medical conditions, or using certain other medicines are at a higher risk for problems. Using too much, or using these medicines for longer than the label says can also cause problems. Follow directions on the label carefully. If you have questions, talk to your caregiver.
    
    
  • If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.
  
  
• Ice causes blood vessels to constrict (get small) which helps lessen inflammation (swelling, pain, and redness). Put crushed ice in a plastic bag and cover it with a towel. Put this on your injury for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Do not sleep on the ice pack because you can get frostbite.
  
  
  • Ask your caregiver when you may put heat on the injury to help lessen the pain. You may use a heating pad (set on low), a whirlpool bath, or warm, moist towels for 15 to 20 minutes every hour. Do not sleep on the heating pad. This can cause a bad burn. Do this for 48 hours.
    
    
  
  
• Whenever you can, for 48 hours, keep your elbow lifted above the level of your heart to lessen the pain and swelling. For instance, you can do this by propping your elbow on the back of the couch while you are sitting down. You can also prop your elbow on pillows while you are lying down.
  
  
• Wear a splint to keep your elbow from moving.
  
  
• Do not do the activity that caused your tennis elbow until your symptoms are gone. Then slowly restart your normal activities.
  
  
  • Do the exercises suggested by your caregiver.
    
    

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your elbow still hurts.
  
  
• You have a fever (increased body temperature).

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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