Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles along the radius and ulna on the outside of the elbow. Overuse through repeated contraction of the forearm muscles can damage the muscles and tendons, such as with degeneration or tears. General outer elbow pain, increased pain when gripping, diminished forearm activity, as well as joint tenderness and weakness often result. 

Following a comprehensive diagnosis, non-surgical treatment may include rest, modification of aggravating activities, ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, bracing/splinting, and corticosteroid injections. If symptoms do not improve after 6 to 12 months of non-surgical therapy, open surgery or elbow arthroscopy may be necessary to remove a small portion of the damaged tendon and then reattach the healthy portion to the bone. The former offers more options for repair through a larger incision over the elbow, while the latter is less invasive causing less scarring and faster healing.