Tennis elbow can cause pain, tenderness, and weakness around the outer part of the elbow. This can make everyday movements such as gripping, lifting, or twisting more difficult. An orthopedic surgeon can evaluate the severity of the condition and recommend treatment options that support pain relief and improved arm function. Here is more information on how an orthopedic surgeon treats tennis elbow:
Evaluating the Injury
An orthopedic surgeon begins the process with a thorough physical examination of your arm. The doctor will ask you to move your wrists and fingers to check for pain, and they will assess your overall grip strength. This physical assessment provides fundamental information about the severity of your tennis elbow.
During the consultation, you will discuss your medical history and daily activities with the surgeon. They use this information to identify the exact motions causing your pain, which helps them develop a personalized care plan. In some cases, the surgeon orders imaging tests to rule out other potential elbow issues. X-rays or MRI scans can provide a detailed view of the tendons and bones, and these images confirm the diagnosis.
Exploring Treatment Options
Some instances of tennis elbow improve without surgical intervention, and surgeons generally begin treatment with conservative methods. These fundamental non-surgical options include the following:
- Rest: Pausing repetitive activities allows the tiny tears in your tendon to heal properly.
- Physical therapy: Specific exercises strengthen the forearm muscles, which in turn reduce strain on the injured tendon.
- Anti-inflammatories: Medications reduce swelling in the affected area, providing significant pain relief.
- Counterforce bracing: Wearing a specific brace distributes pressure across the muscle, protecting the tendon from further strain.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: This treatment uses your blood cells to stimulate tissue repair and accelerate healing.
Patients often combine multiple non-surgical options to achieve the best results. Make sure you follow the surgeon’s specific timeline for these therapies to maximize their effectiveness.
Addressing Surgical Care
If conservative treatments fail to relieve your symptoms, your surgeon may recommend surgical intervention. Surgery is generally reserved for severe cases of tennis elbow where debilitating pain and weakness interfere with your daily life. The primary goal of the procedure is to remove the damaged tissue and reattach the healthy muscle to the bone.
Orthopedic surgeons perform this procedure using either open surgery or arthroscopic techniques. Open surgery involves a larger incision over the elbow, while arthroscopic surgery uses tiny incisions and a small camera to guide the instruments. The surgeon will determine the most appropriate surgical method based on the details of your injury. The surgical process requires careful planning and a commitment to post-operative rehabilitation. Discuss the potential risks and recovery timelines with your doctor beforehand, and make sure you understand the expectations.
Supporting Recovery
Healing from tennis elbow requires consistent effort, and preventing future injuries is a key component of long-term health. The doctor will provide a structured plan to help you regain full function. Helpful strategies for recovery and prevention include:
- Activity modification: Adjusting how you perform repetitive tasks decreases daily strain on your elbow tendons.
- Ergonomic adjustments: Optimizing your workspace or tools reduces unnecessary stress on your joints.
- Ongoing strengthening: Continuing your physical therapy exercises maintains muscle support around the elbow joint.
- Proper technique training: Learning the correct mechanics for sports or manual labor protects the tendons from excessive force.
Staying vigilant about early signs of pain also allows you to address issues before they become severe.
Book Your Tennis Elbow Appointment
Tennis elbow can limit your ability to perform simple actions, and delaying treatment can prolong your discomfort. An orthopedic surgeon can evaluate your condition and provide a structured plan to relieve pain. Early diagnosis and appropriate care are fundamental steps toward restoring function. Contact a qualified orthopedic surgeon in your area to book your tennis elbow appointment today.
