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Published on: 5/26/2025

How can I treat and prevent elbow tendon pain?

Elbow tendon pain can be helped by resting the arm, using ice, and doing special exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles. A good routine can also help stop the pain from coming back.

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Explanation

When you have elbow tendon pain, the first step is to give your arm a rest. Rest helps the tendon get a chance to heal. You can also put ice on your elbow for about 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day. Ice helps to decrease swelling and help with pain. Over-the-counter medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used, but always talk with a doctor first. A special set of exercises can strengthen and stretch the muscles around your elbow. These exercises are done slowly and in a specific way under the guidance of a physical therapist. They help the improve tendon and muscle function and avoid more injury later on. Other ways to help include using a brace or strap during activities. This support helps you move in a safe way. Learning the right techniques for the games or work you do can also prevent stress on the tendon. Following a careful, step-by-step program is key to both treating and preventing elbow tendon pain.

(References)

  • Ellenbecker TS, Nirschl R, Renstrom P. Current concepts in examination and treatment of elbow tendon injury. Sports Health. 2013 Mar;5(2):186-94. doi: 10.1177/1941738112464761. PMID: 24427389; PMCID: PMC3658379.

  • Day JM, Lucado AM, Uhl TL. A COMPREHENSIVE REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR TREATING LATERAL ELBOW TENDINOPATHY. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2019 Sep;14(5):818-829. PMID: 31598419; PMCID: PMC6769266.

  • Speers CJ, Bhogal GS, Collins R. Lateral elbow tendinosis: a review of diagnosis and management in general practice. Br J Gen Pract. 2018 Nov;68(676):548-549. doi: 10.3399/bjgp18X699725. PMID: 30361321; PMCID: PMC6193783.

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