How Do Doctors Check for Signs of Tennis Elbow?

When you come to our Singapore clinic, you can expect to get started with a physical examination. Our specialist will check for the swelling signs and pain in your elbow. For clear examination, doctors may recommend the following exams: 

Our elbow specialist will check for signs of swelling and ask you about the symptoms of stiffness and pain you have been feeling. 

To take a closer look, your doctor may recommend one of the following exams. 

• X-rays: This will confirm it is tennis elbow and not arthritis or a fracture.
• MRI or CT: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans are used to take a clearer look at the damage to your tendons and muscles.
• EMG: An electromyography (EMG) test can measure your nerve's electrical activity and look for compressed nerves.

What are the Common Treatments of Tennis Elbow?

What is the fastest cure? Let’s look at a few of the most common steps that your doctor may recommend.

• Rest: This is the first step. Your tendons need a few weeks to heal.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen will help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Support brace: Wearing a removable support brace can be helpful for taking the stress off of your tendons and muscles while they heal.
• Physical therapy: Strategic exercises can help you build up the muscles of your forearm and build up your grip strength again. Physiotherapy is also especially helpful for conditions like knee arthritis.
• Massage: Focused massage can help to reduce pain while improving your range of motion.
• Steroid injections: For more severe cases, corticosteroids may be recommended to relieve pain and inflammation.

Depending on the severity, your doctor may recommend any of these or a range of additional more intensive tennis elbow treatments.

Treating Tennis Elbow at Home

We often get questions about home treatment to relive tennis elbow discomfort. While it is essential to remember that you need to get examined by a professional, some natural cures can help with mild cases.

Light exercises are also beneficial for reducing the swelling and helping the mobility.  

Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen.  

You may also consider doing light exercises at home to reduce swelling and improve mobility. 

In addition to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen, your doctor may recommend a range of other at-home remedies like rest and over-the-counter medication. 

Is Hot or Cold Better?

During the early stages of an injury, it is best to opt for cold treatment. It will help to reduce inflammation. While it is uncomfortable at first, it will reduce the pain.

Remember, if your pain is getting worse with time despite rest and applying ice, it is time to see a doctor. Once your issue has been diagnosed and other potential problems have been eliminated, your doctor may recommend regular heat treatment for chronic pain.

Is Deep Heat Good?

Deep Heat works in a similar way to applying a hot compress. If you’re dealing with long-term pain, this can be a good solution. Keep in mind, however, that it’s not right for everyone. Chat with your medical specialists before starting a regular routine at homecare.

Is Tiger Balm Suitable?

Like Deep Heat, products like Tiger Balm can help to warm up the area in a similar way to a hot compress. This can be great for occasional pain but it’s important not to overuse it. If the pain persists, it’s time to see an elbow specialist to find other solutions.