Tennis Elbow Treatment
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common cause of elbow pain. Although its name suggests a sports-related cause, tennis elbow can actually impact anyone whose activities involve repetitive wrist and arm motions, from athletes to plumbers, painters and butchers. The inflammation of tendons in the elbow causes pain that can affect daily movements and diminish grip strength.
Healing tennis elbow requires the expertise of specialists. Our orthopedic surgeons offer personalized care and provide expert diagnosis and comprehensive treatment options.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow arises from inflammation or micro-tears in the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the outside bony area (lateral epicondyle) of your elbow. These tendons anchor the muscles that extend the wrist and fingers. Tennis elbow is an over use injury — a result of repetitive use of the forearm muscles and tendons that connect to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow. Tennis elbow injuries can vary from mild to severe.
Tennis Elbow Causes
Tennis elbow is most common in adults between 30 and 50 years old. It can occur in people who are in occupations that require repetitive motion. Some examples are painting, carpentry, construction and typing. Athletes who use repetitive arm motions are also at risk. People in these professions are at higher risk if they have:
- Improper technique. Using the wrong technique for tasks or sports can put extra stress on the tendon.
- Inadequate equipment. Using tools or sports equipment that are the wrong size or weight for the individual.
- Lack of conditioning. Not warming up or conditioning the muscles in the arm before activities that require repetitive arm movements.
In addition, people who have had previous elbow or arm injuries can be more likely to develop tennis elbow.
Tennis Elbow Symptoms
People with tennis elbow typically experience symptoms including:
- Pain focused on the outside of the elbow
- Tenderness to touch on the outside of the elbow
- Pain when making a fist or grasping objects
- Weakened grip strength
- Pain when lifting or bending the wrist
- Elbow pain during activities like tennis, golf, raking, painting
Tennis Elbow Diagnosis
To diagnose tennis elbow, the orthopedic doctor will examine your elbow and perform tests to:
- Check the range of motion and press on the sore area
- Assess grip strength and pain with resisted wrist flexion
- Ask you to perform specific movements and actions that reproduce the pain characteristic of tennis elbow
A precise diagnosis is crucial for targeted treatment of tennis elbow. Our orthopedic specialists thoroughly evaluate your condition to provide an accurate diagnosis. They may:
- Review your medical history. Your doctor will want to understand your activity level and any previous arm injuries.
- Conduct a physical exam. Your doctor will examine your elbow for tenderness, swelling and pain during movement.
- Test your movement. Assessing pain response during specific arm and wrist motions.
- Order imaging tests. Utilizing ultrasound or MRI scans to view the extent of tendon damage.
A diagnosis may include:
- Tendonitis. The tendons in the forearm are tender, swollen, and inflamed, leading to elbow pain.
- Partial tear. There has been a partial tear of the tendons, which can cause pain during arm use.
- Complete tear. In severe cases, the tendon may have a complete tear, which could mean surgery to fully recover function.
Tennis Elbow Treatment
Most tennis elbow cases can be treated without surgery. Our treatment options include:
- RICE technique. Rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) can manage swelling and pain and allow the tendon to heal.
- Immobilization. Uses a brace or strap to restrict motion and reduce strain.
- Physical therapy exercises. Stretching, strengthening, and various other modalities are employed under the care of a rehabilitation therapist.
- Anti-inflammatory treatment. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications are often recommended to relieve pain and swelling.
- Technique correction. This is suggested to athletes and workers to prevent recurrence.
Sometimes, these treatments don’t bring relief. In more severe cases, your physician may recommend:
- Corticosteroid injections. Used to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Facilitates the healing of the tendon.
- Ultrasound therapy. Enhances blood flow to promote healing.
- Surgery. Repairs and eliminates damaged tissue to reduce pain.
Tennis Elbow Recovery
Recovery time for tennis elbow can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment approach. While mild cases may heal within a few weeks, more severe cases, especially those requiring orthopedic surgery, may take several months to recover fully.
Orthopedic rehabilitation can be a crucial component of the recovery process, and our health care professionals will create a personalized rehabilitation plan to address your specific needs that could include:
- Stretching exercises. These exercises help improve the flexibility of the muscles and tendons around the elbow, reducing tension and pain.
- Strengthening exercises. Use resistance bands, weights or specialized equipment to increase muscle strength gradually.
- Balance exercises. These exercises help regain control of your movements and improve your ability to perform daily tasks without discomfort or pain.
- Pain management. Incorporate ice, heat or anti-inflammatory medications as part of the treatment.
Commitment to your personalized rehabilitation plan is key to achieving the best outcome for tennis elbow recovery. Our dedicated team will design a physical rehabilitation program tailored to your needs.
Contact Us for Tennis Elbow Care in New Jersey
As the state's largest and most comprehensive academic health care system, RWJBarnabas Health has award-winning medical services and highly skilled, board-certified orthopedic surgeons. Our facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment essential for accurately diagnosing and effectively treating elbow injuries.
Don't let tennis elbow compromise your quality of life. Contact us today.
