With medical approval, what action should you take when treating tenderness over the lateral epicondyle?

Using ice on the area for a defined duration is a standard approach when dealing with tenderness or acute inflammation around the lateral epicondyle, which is commonly associated with conditions like lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow. Ice therapy helps to reduce swelling and numb the area, thereby alleviating pain. Ice should typically be applied for about 15-20 minutes, and allowing it to be reapplied every hour helps to maintain reduced inflammation and manage discomfort effectively.

This method leverages the principle of cryotherapy, which constricts blood vessels, decreases metabolic activity, and slows down the nerve conduction of painful stimuli.

While strapping the area could potentially provide support, it may not directly address inflammation or swelling in the same way that ice does. Heat therapy, on the other hand, is used for chronic conditions and can exacerbate acute inflammation, making it less appropriate in this case. Providing passive exercises might also not be suitable when tenderness and inflammation are present, as movement could potentially irritate the affected area further. Hence, the recommended action aligns with evidence-based practice for managing acute tenderness effectively.