Tennis elbow can cause persistent pain and weakness on the outside of the elbow, making everyday tasks like gripping, lifting, and twisting difficult. At All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute, our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons provide comprehensive tennis elbow treatment using personalized non-surgical and surgical care when needed. Serving Houston, Clear Lake, Lake Jackson, and Kingwood, we are dedicated to relieving pain, restoring arm function, and helping you return to your daily activities.
What is Elbow Anatomy?
The elbow is a joint made up of three bones: the upper arm bone, the humerus, and the two forearm bones, the radius and ulna. The lower end of the humerus has bony bumps called epicondyles that serve as sites of attachment for major tendons and muscles that help in arm movement. The bump on the outside of the elbow is called the lateral epicondyle. It helps in the attachment of the tendons and muscles that help extend your fingers and wrist.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a common name for the elbow condition lateral epicondylitis. It is an overuse injury that causes inflammation and microtears of the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle.
Tennis elbow is a painful condition occurring from repeated muscle contractions at the forearm. The condition is more common in sports activities such as tennis, painting, hammering, typing, gardening and playing musical instruments.
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are similar, except that golfer’s elbow occurs on the inside of the elbow and tennis elbow occurs on the outside of the elbow. Both conditions are a type of tendonitis - inflammation of the tendons.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is usually caused by overuse of the forearm muscles but may also be caused by direct trauma such as with a fall, car accident or work injury.
Tennis elbow is commonly seen in tennis players, hence the name, especially when poor technique is used while hitting the ball with a backhand stroke. Other common causes include any activity that requires repetitive motion of the forearm such as painting, hammering, typing, raking, weaving, gardening, lifting heavy objects and playing musical instruments.
What are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?
The signs and symptoms of tennis elbow can include the following:
- Elbow pain that gradually worsens
- Pain to the outside of the elbow that radiates to the forearm and wrist with grasping objects
- Weak grip
- Painful grip
- Pain that is exacerbated in the elbow when the wrist is bent back
How is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?
Your doctor will evaluate tennis elbow by reviewing your medical history, performing a thorough physical examination and ordering X-rays, MRI or electromyogram (EMG) to detect any nerve compression.
What is the Treatment for Tennis Elbow?
Your doctor will first recommend conservative treatment options. These may include:
- Limit the use and rest the arm from activities that worsen symptoms.
- Splints or braces may be ordered to decrease stress on the injured tissues.
- Apply ice packs on the elbow to reduce swelling.
- Avoid activities that bring on the symptoms and increase stress on the tendons.
- Anti-inflammatory medications and/or steroid injections may be ordered to treat pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy may be ordered for strengthening and stretching exercises to the forearm once your symptoms have decreased.
- Pulsed ultrasound may be used to increase blood flow and promote healing to the injured tendons.
If conservative treatment options fail to resolve the condition and symptoms persist for 6 -12 months, your surgeon may recommend a surgical procedure called lateral epicondyle release surgery. Your surgeon will decide whether to perform your surgery in the traditional open manner (single large incision) or endoscopically (2 to 3 tiny incisions and the use of an endoscope – narrow lighted tube with a camera). Your surgeon will decide which option is best for you depending on your specific circumstances.
Your surgeon moves aside soft tissues to view the extensor tendon and its attachment on the lateral epicondyle and then trims or releases the tendon, and reattaches it to the bone. Any scar tissue present will be removed as well as any bone spurs. After the surgery is completed, the incision(s) are closed by suturing or by tape.
Following surgery, you are referred to physical therapy to improve the range of motion and strength of your joint.
Why Choose All American Orthopedic Surgeons for Tennis Elbow Treatment in Houston, Lake Jackson & Kingwood?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury that affects more than just athletes. Repetitive motions performed at work, during sports, or in everyday activities can strain the tendons on the outside of the elbow, leading to chronic pain and reduced grip strength. At All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute, our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating tennis elbow with personalized care focused on relieving pain and restoring function.
Patients choose our orthopedic team because we offer:
- Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons with expertise in sports medicine and upper extremity conditions
- Comprehensive evaluations to accurately diagnose the cause of elbow pain
- Advanced diagnostic imaging when appropriate
- Personalized treatment plans based on your symptoms, activity level, and treatment goals
- Conservative treatment options, including activity modification, bracing, physical therapy, medications, and injection therapy when appropriate
- Advanced surgical treatment for chronic cases that do not improve with non-surgical care
- Convenient office locations in Houston (Clear Lake), Lake Jackson, and Kingwood
Our goal is to reduce pain, restore strength and mobility, and help you return to work, sports, and everyday activities with confidence.
Tennis Elbow FAQs
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury involving the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. Repetitive wrist and arm movements can lead to tendon damage, resulting in pain and decreased grip strength.
What causes tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow is commonly caused by repetitive motions such as lifting, gripping, typing, painting, using hand tools, racquet sports, and other activities that repeatedly stress the forearm muscles and tendons. It can affect athletes as well as individuals with physically demanding occupations.
What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?
Common symptoms include pain or burning on the outside of the elbow, tenderness, weak grip strength, discomfort when lifting or twisting objects, and pain that worsens with repetitive hand or wrist movements.
How is tennis elbow diagnosed?
Your orthopedic surgeon will perform a physical examination, review your medical history, and evaluate your symptoms. Imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI may be recommended if another condition is suspected or if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Can tennis elbow be treated without surgery?
Yes. Most patients improve with conservative treatment, including rest, activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, bracing, and other non-surgical therapies. Surgery is generally reserved for patients whose symptoms persist after several months of comprehensive non-operative treatment.
When is surgery recommended for tennis elbow?
Surgery may be considered if you continue to experience significant pain and limited function despite exhausting conservative treatment options. The procedure typically involves removing damaged tendon tissue and repairing healthy tendon to restore elbow function.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment received. Many patients improve within several weeks to months with conservative care. Recovery following surgery typically includes rehabilitation to restore strength, flexibility, and function before returning to normal activities.
Find Lasting Relief from Tennis Elbow at All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute
If elbow pain is interfering with your work, sports, or daily routine, the experienced orthopedic team at All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute is here to help. We provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for tennis elbow, using advanced non-surgical therapies and surgical care when necessary to relieve pain and restore function.
With convenient locations in Houston (Clear Lake), Lake Jackson, and Kingwood, expert orthopedic care is always close to home. Contact All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute today to schedule your consultation and learn more about your treatment options for tennis elbow.
