There are many different causes of pain on the outside of the elbow when you straighten your arm. This condition is caused by repetitive stress to the ECRB muscle, which can weaken and tear the tendon. The result is pain and inflammation in the elbow area. A doctor will diagnose tennis elbow during a physical exam. The doctor will ask you questions about the pain and perform a few simple tests, including applying pressure to the point where the tendon attaches to the bone. You may experience pain when you extend your arm, flex your wrist, or lift your arm.
Physical therapy can help reduce pain and improve range of motion. Occupational therapists can use ice massage and other exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles. A physician can also administer injections of blood, platelet-rich plasma, or steroid into the affected area. Rehabilitation is often a key component of a treatment plan for tennis elbow. Your GP can refer you to an occupational therapist if you feel this pain. If you can’t find a doctor who specializes in tennis elbow, contact the workplace occupational health department for advice. You can also take paracetamol to relieve pain. Take it as needed to avoid aggravating the problem.
If you experience pain on the inside of the elbow when you straighten your arm, the first step is to rest your elbow. If the pain is too severe to rest, ice packs and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help ease the discomfort. If your elbow is inflamed, you can use strengthening exercises that target the muscles surrounding the injured tendons. These exercises will improve your arm’s endurance and strength against future stresses. One particular exercise that you can do is the wrist flexion stretch. Pull your hand back until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Repeat this exercise four times.
