You play tennis when Ouch! The level of the elbow pain: it is a heel. How to react? Advice from a professional.
Often linked to a bad technical gesture of setbacks, the epicondylitis is the haunt of amateur players, most widely concerned unlike the pros – by this elbow Tendonitis. But the practice of this sport is not its sole cause. DIY or those who use many of the computer mouse are also affected
What is it? An epicondylitis is inflammation of the tendons that connect the hand to the elbow and are used to bending of the wrist (tendons epicondyliens). Result: pain in the elbow, awakened by entry into voltage or the rotation of the wrist
Icing the elbow.
Are you evil? As soon as possible, ice your elbow, at least 20 minutes. The challenge: do not let settle pain..
Ice cubes in a plastic bag the deal as a first step. Then, to renew the operation several times per day, you can use a bag of frozen peas or buy pharmacy pack-cool. Relieve pain.
Different drugs can have less evil: paracetamol if pain is important, or local anti-inflammatory, to be applied by massage. Diclofenac gel is often advisable
To hydrate.
Important: do not forget to hydrate yourself. A lack of hydration can indeed promote tendonitis, said Dr Jacqueline Jan. Avoid also alcohol and diets high in protein for 48 h
Stop playing.
We must put to rest your wrist. If the pain is really important, a thermoformed removable wrist splint can be useful; It is prescribed by a physician
Gradually resume!
To resume training, wait no longer feel pain for at least a week
Initially, limit the reverse, play with a weaker opponent, avoid hefty that hit hard in the ball, use a well-balanced racket and not too heavy
It is during this recovery that it may make sense to buy pharmacy an elbow strap. Brought about a centimeter below the elbow, it allows to reduce the shock waves caused by ball strikes (Condylex, Epimed, approx. $10, Futuro Custom-Dial, approx. $25)..
And if it does not pass?
If the pain persists despite the judgment of tennis, local care and hydration beyond ten days, it is annoying in everyday life or that it prevents you from sleep, it is best to consult a physician who can refer you to a physical therapist