Ayurveda for Tennis Elbow: Treatment and Natural Remedy

TENNIS ELBOW/LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS

Tennis Elbow is a painful condition that is usually caused by overuse of the elbow. A swollen tendon/ inflammation/ micro-tearing of tendons that join the forearm muscle to the outside of the elbow is Tennis Elbow.

WHAT CAUSES TENNIS ELBOW

·        Direct trauma

·        Repeated athletic activity like tennis or other racquet sports.

·        Can also occur besides sports or other activities

·        Repeated motions during the overuse damage the tendons, resulting in pain and tenderness.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TENNIS ELBOW

·        Dominant arm – most usually affected

·        Develops gradually with no associated injuries

·        Pain in the elbow

·        Tenderness

·        Pain on stretching

·        Low/weak grip strength

·        Pain at night

·        Symptoms worsen with repeated activities

·        Pain while lifting objects

·        Pain radiating to the forearm

MANAGEMENT OF TENNIS ELBOW

1. NON-SURGICAL

·Rest

·Medications like anti-inflammatory drugs

·Physiotherapy including muscle strengthening exercises, specific stretching exercises, etc.

·Tennis elbow Strap/ Brace to keep muscles and tendons stiff and intact.

·Steroid injections

·Local Anesthetics at most tender points.

·Shock wave therapy – sending sound waves to the elbow

2. SURGICAL

·Open Surgery – Making an incision over the elbow

·Arthroscopic surgery- Repaired using miniature instruments and small incisions.

·Rehabilitation – Temporary Immobilization using a splint after surgery, followed by exercises to restore flexibility. 

AYURVEDA INTERVENTION

·Tennis Elbow is a condition that happens due to an imbalance of Vata dosha. The property of Vata is mainly movement and flexibility. Here, aggravated Vata Dosha is the cause, which results in stiffness and pain. 

·The treatment is initiated by curing the root cause and reducing the symptoms- pain, inflammation, and stiffness.

·Ayurveda suggests the protocol of intake of medicines that are Tikta rasa (Bitter taste), Kshira-Gritha Prayoga. (Milk and Ghee medications).

·Medicines like Rasna, Laksha, Guduchi, Eranda, Devadar, etc are Vata relieving Drugs usually given for alleviating the inflammation and pain.

·Treatment also comprises EXTERNAL THERAPIES, including-

·Agnikarma – Thermal Microcautery

·Lepam – Local application of Medicated Paste

·Pichu - Medicated Oil Bandage

·Abyanga – Oil Massage

·Pizhichil – Oil Pouring

·Swedana – Mild Oleation

Can Ayurveda cure tennis elbow?

Yes, with proper intervention, Tennis elbow can be managed with Ayurveda by administering Vatahara medicines and treatments.

Which oil is best for tennis elbow?

Oils that pacify Vata are commonly used to cure Tennis Elbow. These oils contain drugs like rasna, karpasa, laksha, guduchi, etc., that have vata-relieving properties.

What vitamins are good for tennis elbow?

Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Zinc, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, etc. promote metabolism and support early inflammation during injury. This helps in speeding up the healing process and supports recovery after an injury.

What deficiency causes tennis elbow?

Vitamin D deficiency may aggravate the symptoms of Tennis Elbow. But the main cause will be the overuse of the arm. 

What to drink for tennis elbow?

Foods and drinks rich in antioxidants and protein are good for healing tennis elbow. Fresh fruit juice of pineapple, citrus fruits, and cherries may be helpful.

Is it good to massage a tennis elbow?

Yes. Abyanga or oil massage is a treatment procedure that is included in the management of tennis elbow. Make sure to do any procedure only with the supervision of a Doctor or a qualified therapist.