Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a type of tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons) in the elbow. Tennis elbow can be very painful and limit range of motion. Overuse causes tennis elbow, which is very common in athletes, such as tennis players, who frequently repeat the same motion over and over again.
If tennis elbow affects the quality of your life, Penn orthopaedic specialists and surgeons can help. We implement the latest nonsurgical and surgical techniques to treat tennis elbow.
Meet the team of experts who specialize in tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) treatment
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
The most common symptom of tennis elbow is pain that radiates from the outside of the upper part of the forearm (below the area where the elbow bends). In some cases, pain can be felt all the way down the arm to the hand and wrist. Other symptoms include:
- Burning sensation up and down the arm or on the outer part of the elbow
- Elbow and forearm weakness
- Increased pain with activities that involve the forearm (holding a glass, opening a door, extending the forearm)
If you think you may have tennis elbow, seek treatment from a Penn orthopaedic specialist with expertise in relieving pain and restoring function to the elbow.
Diagnosing Tennis Elbow
To diagnose tennis elbow, an orthopaedic specialist will evaluate your symptoms, examine your elbow and forearm, discuss any lifestyle factors or activities that may be causing damage from overuse and take a full medical history.
You will likely require further imaging tests to assess the damage to the tissues in your elbow, such as:
- CT scan
- MRI
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound
- X-ray
Our musculoskeletal radiologists are specially trained to read and interpret advanced imaging scans, leading to a better diagnosis and the best possible treatment options. These many include a combination of non-surgical therapies and, if your tennis elbow is severe, possibly surgery.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Our orthopaedic specialists usually emphasize a conservative approach to treating tennis elbow, focusing on nonsurgical techniques. Many people find that their pain and function greatly improves through these simple, noninvasive therapies.
Noninvasive therapy for tennis elbow includes:
- Activity modification
- Corticosteroid injections into the elbow joint
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, an ultrasound-guided technique that sends energy waves to damaged tissues in the elbow
- Icing
- Pain or anti-inflammatory medication
- Range-of-motion exercises/physical therapy
If these methods do not offer enough relief or if your injury involves severely torn tendons and ligaments, surgery may be recommended. We perform the latest surgical techniques to treat tennis elbow using minimally invasive approaches to reduce pain and allow for faster recovery.
Tennis Elbow Surgery
In most cases, tennis elbow greatly improves through nonsurgical treatment. If symptoms do not significantly improve within six to 12 months, surgery may be the next best option to repair torn tendons and remove damaged tissues.
Surgery to repair damage from tennis elbow includes:
Advanced Arthroscopic Techniques to Treat Tennis Elbow
Arthroscopic techniques are minimally invasive procedures performed through a small incision in your elbow area. Your orthopaedic surgeon inserts a thin, flexible instrument, called an arthroscope, and uses its light and tiny camera to see the structures of the elbow. The surgeon then uses specialized instruments to perform tendon repair or debridement. This allows for quicker recovery and less pain.
Tendon Reconstruction
Tendon reconstruction may be necessary to repair damage caused by tennis elbow. Penn orthopaedic surgeons use the latest techniques to perform tendon reconstruction to improve function, restore elbow strength and reduce pain.
Open Tendon Repair
If a tendon tear is very large or the tissue has serious damage, your surgeon may choose to perform open tendon repair. Open tendon repair is typically reserved for more complex elbow injuries that usually require multiple procedures at the same time.
Tennis Elbow Surgery Recovery
After tennis elbow surgery, rest is very important for healing. Your arm will be immobilized in a sling or splint. When your doctor feels you are ready, you will begin physical therapy to rebuild strength and to help regain mobility. Our pain management specialists work closely with your orthopaedic team to eliminate or minimize your pain. Reducing pain during recovery has been shown to produce better outcomes and improved function and mobility. Our advanced pain management program effectively treats pain with less dependence on narcotics by using the latest holistic pain management techniques.
Personalized Rehabilitation Programs for Tennis Elbow
Recovering from tennis elbow surgery depends on several factors, including the type of surgery you had, the severity of your condition and your unique needs and goals for recovery. Our orthopaedic team of physical therapists, pain management specialists and orthopaedic specialists creates personalized recovery plans based on your individual needs. You will work closely with your orthopaedic team for as long as your recovery takes until your elbow is restored to maximum function and is free from pain.