Lateral Epicondylitis/Tennis Elbow

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is a disease process that results in the degeneration of the tendons that attach to the outside (lateral) aspect of the elbow. These tendons attach to the muscles that extend your wrist. Tennis elbow is typically caused by overuse activities such as repetitive gripping and heavy lifting.

What Are The Symptoms?

Pain is located on the outside of your elbow. The pain may radiate into your forearm. The symptoms may worsen with heavy lifting and grasping/gripping objects. This most commonly affects the non-dominant arm during backhands in tennis and the non-dominant arm in golf. 

How Is It Treated?

The majority of patients with tennis elbow will get better with conservative treatments but it may take a few months for the symptoms to resolve. It is important to follow the prescribed treatment plan recommended by your physician. Each treatment plan is individualized and may include the following:

• Activity Modification/Rest
• Ice 
• Over the counter medications such as Ibuprofen, Aleve or Tylenol 
• Tennis elbow strap
• PRP injection
• Cortisone injection
• Physical therapy 

When Is Surgery Recommended? 

Surgery is indicated when all conservative treatments have failed and pain continues to interfere with activity. The two surgical options for tennis elbow are TENEX procedure or outpatient mini-open procedure which takes approximately 30 minutes. Drs. Silas, Bak and Moore treat this regularly and will determine which option is best for you.