Tennis Elbow

Causes & Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

In general, tennis elbow is caused by repetitive overuse of one or more of the muscle groups within the forearm. Often, patients report no one specific injury that led to their symptoms, although an injury or change in activity level may precipitate the problem.

Symptoms of tennis elbow may include:

• Pain and discomfort on the outer part of the elbow that gradually increases over a period of weeks to months. 
• Burning on the outer part of the elbow
• Night-time pain
• Pain-limited decrease in grip strength

Tennis elbow is diagnosed via a clinical examination with point-tenderness over the affected part of the elbow and pain with specific exam maneuvers.

Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow treatment begins with conservative management, starting with a combination of anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy/home exercise program, and/or bracing. 

There are two types of braces used to treat tennis elbow – a tennis elbow strap, used primarily during the day to offload the affected area, and a wrist splint, often used at night to prevent activation of the muscle groups that irritate the affected tendons.

Tennis Elbow Injections

Some patients elect to try injections for tennis elbow. There are two primary types of injections: steroid injections and PRP (platelet-rich plasma). Both types of injections work by decreasing local inflammation, and the injection process itself may promote healing by stimulating micro-bleeding at the diseased tendon site. Unlike injections for arthritis, the goal of tennis elbow injections is to cure the underlying problem in combination with other non-surgical modalities.

Tennis Elbow Surgery

If your symptoms persist despite conservative measures, surgery is an option for tennis elbow. At this point, an MRI is typically performed to evaluate the extent of the diseased tendon. The surgery for tennis elbow involves a small incision along the outer part of the elbow. The diseased portion of the tendon is then removed and the healthy tendon is repaired back to the bone with high strength suture and a suture anchor.

Our surgeons perform tennis elbow surgery at the outpatient surgical center. Patients are able to go home the same day. Physical therapy begins 2 weeks after surgery and generally last 6-8 weeks. Once recovered, patients are allowed to go back to all activities including without restriction.

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) is similar to tennis elbow, however instead it is the tendons on the inside part of the elbow are affected. The cause, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options are similar to those outlined for tennis elbow, including anti-inflammatory medications, therapy exercises, bracing, injections, and surgery.

Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow Treatment in Bergen County, NJ

Cahill Orthopedic offers a full range of treatment options for tennis and golfer’s elbow, including nonsurgical treatment, injections, and surgery. Dr. James Cahill is a fellowship trained sports medicine specialist with several years of experience, and Dr. Erik Contreras is a fellowship trained shoulder and elbow surgeon.

If you would like to learn more about treatment for tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, or schedule an appointment, please call our office at (201) 489-0022.