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Elbow Tendon Repair Surgery

Nature Of Tennis Elbow and Elbow Pain for Cary, Garner, Apex and Other Triangle Patients

Tennis elbow, or "lateral epicondylitis" is a common condition in the population ages 40-55. The condition is one of inflammation of the extensor musculo-tendinous tissues as they insert at the elbow.

The condition is commonly seen in athletes that perform sports that require intense repetitive gripping, contact and ball striking. Examples of this are racquet sports such as tennis, racquetball and golf. It can be seen in both professional and amateur athletes depending on age, level of skill, intensity of the activity and condition of the athlete.

Location And Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The elbow pain with tennis elbow originates along the lateral or outer aspect of the elbow and forearm. This area is the origination site of the muscles that extend the forearm, wrist and fingers. This area can also be described as the site in which a large and powerful group of muscles insert on a small projection of bone.

Mechanics Causing Tennis Elbow

In most instances this problem begins after excessive forces are developed at the wrist and hand such as prolonged gripping and extending of the wrist. These forces will be transmitted to the origination site of the muscle group that performs these actions and inflammation will develop. The elbow pain will be noted on the outer aspect of the forearm near the elbow.

Causative factors of Tennis Elbow

The onset of elbow pain may come from excessive use of the hand and wrist utilizing forceful or prolonged gripping and strain on the wrist and forearm muscles. In racquet sports, this also can be caused by improperly balanced equipment, muscular imbalance or lack of forearm/wrist flexibility and grip strength. In racquet sports, it is important to consult with an expert than can properly recommend and adjust the size of your handle grip as well as the tension of the racquet strings.

How Is Tennis Elbow Treated?

As with any inflammatory process, using the approach of rest and ice is very beneficial for tendonitis relief. Beyond this, additional therapies such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortico steroid injection, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection, supportive bracing, physical therapy modalities and rehabilitation can speed the progress of tendonitis relief.

If additional treatment is needed this may include steroid injections, prolonged wrist splinting or even surgery to release the damaged tissue. It may take 3-6 months for this condition to resolve once the activity has been modified and the causative stresses have been eliminated.

Activity Modification for Tennis Elbow Relief

It will be imperative to refrain from activities that continue to create the elbow pain as this will prolong the healing process. Even low level activities such as prolonged computer use, sewing or yardwork can add stresses that prolong the process.

In the event that these conservative approaches fail, the condition may require tendonitis surgery. This is rarely required unless the problem is severe and long lasting (longer that 12 months). Outcomes of tendonitis surgery are very successful in alleviating the pain and allowing you to get back to most or all desired activities. There may be a slight remaining weakness of the forearm musculature after tendonitis surgery but this usually does not present with any functional disability.

For more information on how the tennis elbow treatment specialists at Cary Orthopaedics can help you, contact us today at 919-467-4992 for an appointment!

Cary Orthopaedics serves patients from Raleigh, Garner, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Clayton, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro, NC