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Also known as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow, or golfer ’s elbow, is a painful condition that is normally caused by prolonged use. It is characterized by inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. At The Raskin Center for Hand, Wrist & Elbow Surgery, we provide effective treatment for tennis elbow in NYC.
Who Is At Risk for Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow gained its name due to the constant repetitive arm and wrist movements involved in playing tennis. However, lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, doesn’t only affect athletes and people who play sports recreationally.
Plumbers, painters, carpenters and people with other vocations or hobbies that require repeated and vigorous use of the forearm muscle are also at increased risk of developing the condition.
Tennis Elbow Symptoms
If you are worried that you might have tennis elbow/golfer’s elbow but are unsure, the following issues are common symptoms of the condition:
- Arm or elbow pain when picking up or holding objects
- Difficulty performing everyday activities like opening your car door
- Stiffness when stretching your hand
During a consultation at The Raskin Center for Hand, Wrist & Elbow Surgery, Dr. Keith Raskin will perform an examination of your forearm and elbow. Diagnostic testing such as X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound tests may also be required. Dr. Raskin can then recommend an appropriate treatment option.
Treatment Options
Patients experiencing tennis elbow (tendonitis) must first stop performing the repetitive forearm movements that originally led to the condition. Any activities that cause pain should be avoided or modified as needed to reduce forearm muscle use. Ice packs should be used on the area to address pain.
Non-surgical treatment options can then be explored. As many as 90% of patients have success with non-surgical treatments, which may include NSAID medications, steroid injections and physical therapy.
Surgical Treatment
If your symptoms do not improve after six to twelve months, surgical intervention may be necessary. This normally involves creating an incision, removing the damaged muscle and reattaching the healthy muscle to the bone. The incision is closed using sutures and is then bandaged.
Downtime and recovery time will be required after this procedure. For around one week, a supportive sling or splint must be worn to aid in the healing process. Once the sling or splint comes off, the elbow should be gently stretched on a regular basis to restore movement and flexibility.
Swelling is normal, and ice can be used on the area to help ameliorate it. Pain medication will be prescribed to address any pain or discomfort.
You will need to take six to twelve weeks off from work (depending on the degree of forearm muscle movement required), and activities such as sports and exercise should be avoided for four to six months.
Us to Arrange a Consultation
Learn more about your treatment options for tennis elbow/golfer’s elbow in NYC – contact The Raskin Center for Hand, Wrist & Elbow Surgery today. Arrange your appointment for a consultation with highly experienced and respected hand surgeon Dr. Keith Raskin.