Question:
What is the cure for tennis elbow in alternative medicine therapies?

Answer: Tennis elbow is also known as cubital tunnle syndrome. I am unfamiliar with alternative medicine, but I do know the best treatment is a strong anti-inflammitory and immobilization (usually during sleep). If there is an herb that helps with inflammation, I'd use that and immobilize itDiagnosing tennis elbowYour GP can usually diagnose tennis elbow from examining your arm and hearing about how the symptoms developed (the "history"). X-rays are not usually required, but may be recommended to rule out other conditions, such as arthritis, that can cause elbow pain.

For severe tennis elbow that has failed to heal, your doctor might suggest an MRI scan. This gives an image of the soft tissues, including muscles and tendons, inside the arm.

TreatmentTennis elbow that is dealt with promptly is more likely to heal quickly, with a full return to normal strength. This depends on changing the way the arm is used so that the tendon is rested and has time to heal. Exactly how you do this depends on how you came to have tennis elbow in the first place and how severe the condition is. This "activity modification" may be quite straightforward for an amateur sportsperson, who can lay off their game for a few weeks. It may be more difficult for a bricklayer whose income depends on being able to work.

Home treatmentMild cases of tennis elbow can be treated at home. The priority is to rest the injured tendon by stopping or changing the activity causing the problem. To relieve symptoms you can:

Apply an ice pack - for a maximum of 20 minutes. A bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp cloth works well because it moulds to the shape of the arm. Ensure that the skin does not change colour (the sign of an ice burn). If the skin has turned bright pink or red after a few minutes, stop using the ice. Applying a film of oil (cooking oil will do) to the skin before applying the pack helps to avoid burning the skin.

Take ibuprofen - according to the directions on the packet, up to the maximum daily dose. It is not suitable for people who have a history of stomach ulcers, or for some people with asthma. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist for advice. Ibuprofen belongs to a group of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other types of NSAIDs may be more appropriate for some people.

Wear an arm brace - this is a form of strapping made of silicone or other plastic material that can be worn around the forearm and elbow to help restrict movement of the tendon. Braces are available from larger pharmacies and sports shops.

When doing a manual task you really cannot avoid, use a tool with a smaller grip. If available, contact your employer's occupational health advisers. They should be able to provide advice about modifying your daily activity to allow your arm to heal and minimise the risk of further harm.

Other treatmentsYour GP can prescribe stronger types or doses of NSAIDs than those you can buy over the counter. He or she may refer you to a sports medicine doctor, a rheumatologist for more specialist tests or treatments, or to a physiotherapist.

For a tennis elbow that is failing to heal, a doctor may suggest a steroid injection, which can help relieve pain and inflammation.

For a completely ruptured tendon, or when no improvement has been obtained after many months of rest and rehabilitation, surgery may be an option, although very few people need surgery.