Lancaster, CA-Tennis Elbow Pain, Treatment, and Therapy
Local Lancaster, CA Treatment and Therapy for Tennis Elbow
TENNIS ELBOW SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENTS
Tennis elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) is a soreness or pain on the outside (lateral) side of the upper arm near the elbow. It also has alternative names such as Epitrochlear bursitis; Lateral epicondylitis; Epicondylitis - lateral; Tendonitis - elbow. It also can become a chronic issue caused by swelling of the tendons that connect the forearm to the outer side of the elbow.
The swelling ultimately damages the muscles and tendons from using them over and over again. That is why tennis elbow can be diagnosed as an overuse injury. Pain is often experienced on the outer side of the elbow, and the condition can be extremely painful. While playing tennis regularly can result in this condition, many patients treated for this condition don’t actually play tennis. Repetitive activities cause the tendons to get overworked, causing small tears.
To prevent this type of overuse injury, you simply have to not overuse it. If you start to have pain in the lateral side of the elbow (tennis elbow), the best way to try to avoid the pain is to do things with the palm-up position. By putting your palm up, you transfer the forces from the hand to the medial side of the elbow.
Conservative, Nonsurgical Treatments
Patients with tennis elbow are best treated non-operatively. Depending upon the nature and extent of the inflammation, there are many treatment options available which are successful in 80% to 90% of tennis elbow cases.
- RELAXATION. Stop the activities that are causing the pain. Your pain is telling you to rest the muscles by taking a timeout from using it. You will need to take a break from taking part in sports as well as refraining from heavyweight activities.
- ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICATIONS. Either over-the-counter (Ibuprofen and aspirin) or prescription anti-inflammatory medications can reduce swelling and pain.
- EQUIPMENT INSPECTION. If you use a tennis racquet regularly, have it professionally inspected to ensure the size or weight of the racquet is appropriate.
- TOPICAL COMPOUND CREAMS. Can be rubbed onto the affected area.
- PHYSICAL THERAPY. Exercises that concentrate on reinforcing the forearm muscles are beneficial.
- MUSCLE-STIMULATING PROCEDURES. Prescribed by your doctor and physical therapist improve the healing of the tendons. Ultrasound and massaging with ice also help.
- BRACING. A brace can also ease symptoms.
Surgical Options
If conservative treatment options fail to resolve the condition and symptoms persist for 6 -12 months, our AVORS Medical provider Dr. Justin Heller, MD may recommend surgery to treat medial epicondylitis. The goal of surgery is to remove the diseased tissue around the inner elbow, improve blood supply to the area to promote healing, and alleviate the patient’s symptoms.
Surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia or even in the office setting under ultrasound.
Following the surgery Dr. Justin Heller may recommend you to practice certain measures so as to improve the outcomes of surgery and to fasten the process of healing.
AVORS Medical Group is a Trauma Orthopedic multispecialty group with a focus on treating our patient with cutting edge technology or treatment options. Dr. Justin Heller, MD is a Trauma Hand, Elbow, and Upper Extremity Fellowship Trained Medical Doctor. Dr. Justin Heller, MD practices our Lancaster office at 42135 10th St West, STE 101, Lancaster, CA 93534.
To learn more about what Dr. Justin Heller, MD can offer, click on the following www.avorsmedgroup.com/hand-surgeon
To learn more about Dr. Justin Heller, MD click on the following www.avorsmedgroup.com/justin-b-heller
Call us at 661-726-5005 to schedule a Tennis Elbow consultation!
