Overview

To prevent and ease elbow pain during work, play, or daily activities:

• Strengthen your wrist, arm, shoulder, and back muscles to help protect your elbow.
• Do range-of-motion and light stretching exercises each day to prevent stiffness in the joint.
• Use the correct techniques and equipment during sports so that you don't strain your elbow. Your coach, a sports medicine doctor, or physical therapist can help with this.
• Avoid leaning on the point of your elbow for prolonged periods.
• Don't overuse your arm doing repeated movements that can injure a bursa or tendon. Alternate hands during activities if possible, such as when raking, sweeping, or gardening.
• If you think that things you do at work cause your elbow pain, ask if there are other ways to do your job. There may be ways to adapt the equipment you use.
• Talk to your doctor about wearing an elbow sleeve, sling, or brace to rest a joint or to protect the joint area during an activity. These devices can be helpful. But they can cause joint stiffness and weakness if used for too long.