Tennis Elbow Treatment
The tendons on the outside of the elbow can be put under extra strain with certain repetitive motions. Racket sports, painting and using certain tools can cause pressure on the wrist, elbow and tendons, resulting in inflammation or irritation. Lateral epicondylitis is the swelling or inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the arm. This elbow injury is commonly referred to as tennis elbow. Our orthopedic sports injury specialists at DOCS Health offer tennis elbow treatment at our state-of-the-art medical center in Los Angeles.
Causes and Symptoms of Lateral Epicondylitis
The motion of pushing the wrist backward while straightening the elbow forward can put extra strain on the elbow tendons. Tennis and other racket sports are common causes of tennis elbow, but it can also be caused by the motion of painting or using hand-held tools. Repetition is more commonly the culprit than a single injury or incident. Symptoms of lateral epicondylitis can begin slowly and worsen over time. Tennis elbow symptoms include:
- Pain or burning on the outside of elbow and forearm
- Weakened grip
- Increased pain during activities that can cause tennis elbow
- Difficulty gripping and lifting objects
In most cases, tennis elbow does not require surgery. Conservative treatments including rest, anti-inflammatory medications, ice and physical therapy are often effective. However, in severe lateral epicondylitis cases, other treatments like bracing or steroid injections can be used. Although rare, surgery may be required to repair tendons if other treatments are ineffective.
You do not need to be a tennis player to suffer from tennis elbow. If you have symptoms of lateral epicondylitis, contact our orthopedic team at DOCS Health. We can schedule an appointment with one of our physicians for a diagnosis and treatment options for tennis elbow at our orthopedic clinic in Los Angeles, CA.
Doctors who treat this condition
Unless otherwise indicated, the physician is a member of DOCS Health Medical Group and has medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both. Physicians denoted with an asterisk (*) are independent physicians who are not part of DOCS Health Medical Group, but do have medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both.