An elbow brace may help rest the area by taking pressure off of the tendon attachment at the medial epicondyle of the elbow. A splint worn for a short period may rest the arm and reduce the pain. Problems can be avoided by taking frequent breaks as you work or play, improving overall arm muscle condition, and limiting heavy pushing, pulling or grasping. As healing continues different types of exercises are used. Early on, isometrics help maintain muscle strength without over stressing tissue.
Isometrics are exercises where the muscles are simply tightened but no movement occurs.
These type of exercises seem to allow the muscles to stay fit, but stress the soft tissues less than other types of exercise. Later, as pain lessens, more vigorous exercises are used to increase endurance and strength. Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen may be suggested to decrease the inflammation. An injection of cortisone in the area of the lateral epicondyle may reduce the inflammation and pain. If all else fails, surgery is available to treat tennis elbow.