Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It can cause pain and tenderness on the outer part of your elbow when you perform certain activities. This article will review everything you need about tennis elbow and possible treatment options.

Understanding tennis elbow and its available treatment options

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow describes inflammation in the tendons outside a person's elbow. It occurs when the patient has repetitive use of the forearm muscles and can occur from throwing or serving motions in sports such as tennis or racquetball. The pain is on the lateral (outside) part of the patient's elbow, wrist, and hand. The condition may make it difficult for the patient to grip items firmly.

Signs and symptoms of tennis elbow

The most common symptoms of tennis elbow can be felt when gripping any object or lifting heavy objects. In addition, people have often experienced pain when bending their wrists backward (extension) or straightening their wrists (flexion). Another tale-tale sign of tennis elbow is inflammation if a person is experiencing inflammation and swelling (regardless if the area is painful) in or around the tendons attached to the muscles on either side of the forearm near where they join with nerves that run into the hand.

Causes of tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is a common injury that occurs in the elbow joint. It can occur after an injury or overuse of the forearm, wrist, and hand muscles. According to OrthoInfo, the disease most often affects adults between 30 and 50 years old who perform repetitive tasks such as gardening, painting, carpentry, and sports. It occurs when tendons rub against the bone, causing inflammation around the area where they attach. 

Treatment options

If an individual suspects they have tennis elbow before receiving a formal diagnosis, rest is the first step to treatment. Using over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, resting and icing the elbow for a few days or weeks (until an appointment is set), will help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. In addition, patients may need to limit or avoid painful activities such as lifting heavy objects or making a fist.

During the patient's appointment, the doctor will perform a physical exam by applying pressure to the tender area and having the patient perform certain movements. The doctor may also order an X-ray or MRI scan of the affected area. If the cause is unclear after these tests, the patient may be referred to a hand specialist or surgeon. 

Once determining the tennis elbow diagnosis, the doctor will recommend one or a combination, depending on the severity, of the following non-surgical treatments:

• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help patients with strengthening and stretching exercises and provide guidance for performing everyday activities and the activity that caused the condition in the first place.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are used to relieve pain and swelling associated with tennis elbow
• Injections: Cortisone, Botox, platelet-rich plasma, or another form of prolotherapy may be injected into the patient's tendon or bursa to reduce inflammation in the area, which can allow more movement during their day-to-day activities.

While rarely required, the doctor may recommend surgery if the non-surgical treatments are not working or if there is a tear in the patient's tendon that will not heal on its own after six months of conservative treatment, such as physical therapy. The surgeon will determine whether the condition requires surgery based on factors such as age and activity level; once the surgeon decides the issue needs further treatment through surgical means, they will schedule another time for the procedure. 

During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision into the patient's elbow. At that point, they will make the necessary repairs to the joints and tendons and remove excess tissue before stitching everything together. After surgery, the surgeon will advise the patient to revisit a physical therapist to follow a strict program, which will be crucial to their recovery.

Get relief today

Tennis elbow is a condition that causes mild to severe pain and inflammation in your forearm muscles, tendons, and joints. It can have a serious negative impact on your day-to-day life. If left untreated for too long (or if you continue to overuse your elbow), this condition can become more serious and even require surgery. Schedule an appointment with our experienced team today to get the treatment you need. We look forward to providing you relief soon.

If you believe you are experiencing tennis elbow, schedule an appointment at our Ooltewah office by calling us at (423) 424-1529.

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