What Is the Most Effective Treatment for Tennis Elbow? A Doctor Explains

Treatment for tennis elbow typically starts with conservative measures like rest and physical therapy before progressing to medical interventions.

• Non-Surgical Success: Conservative treatments successfully resolve symptoms in approximately 80 to 95 percent of cases.
• Eccentric Strengthening Exercises: Targeted physical therapy under the close guidance of your orthopedic doctor can help rebuild tendon strength and alleviate chronic pain.
• Regenerative Medicine Options: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy shows promise for healing stubborn tendon injuries.

Finding the best treatment for tennis elbow serves as a top priority for patients suffering from sharp outer elbow pain. You likely experience discomfort when gripping objects, shaking hands, or twisting a doorknob. This condition, known medically as lateral epicondylitis, affects the tendons that join forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow.

Fortunately, finding relief does not always require invasive procedures. Dr. Pervaiz and Dr. Janz at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics – Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland Division specialize in identifying the most appropriate path to recovery for your specific needs.

Understanding Lateral Epicondylitis

Tennis elbow is a painful condition that occurs when tendons in your elbow are overloaded, usually by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm. Despite its name, athletes are not the only people who develop this condition. Plumbers, painters, carpenters, and butchers get tennis elbow more often than the rest of the population.

The pain typically occurs in the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. Pain can also spread into the wrist.

Manual workers are at a higher risk due to repetitive gripping. Dr. Pervaiz and Dr. Janz often see this injury in patients between the ages of 30 and 50.

Common Symptoms

The symptoms of tennis elbow typically develop gradually.

Common symptoms include:

• Burning or pain on your outer elbow.
• Weak grip strength.
• Worsening pain with forearm activity.

Diagnosing Your Elbow Pain

Your doctor will consider many factors in making a diagnosis. These include how your symptoms developed, any occupational risk factors, and recreational sports participation.

Dr. Pervaiz or Dr. Janz will talk to you about what activities cause symptoms and where exactly on your arm the symptoms occur. They may use various tests to pinpoint the diagnosis.

You may need an X-ray or MRI scan to rule out other causes of pain, such as arthritis. An X-ray provides clear images of dense structures like bone. This helps the doctors ensure that the elbow joint itself is healthy.

What Is the Best Treatment for Tennis Elbow?

The best treatment for tennis elbow varies based on the severity of the tendon damage and the duration of your symptoms. However, approximately 80 to 95 percent of patients have success with nonsurgical treatment.

Rest and Activity Modification

The first step toward recovery is to give your arm proper rest. This means you will have to stop participating in sports or heavy work activities for several weeks.

Dr. Janz often advises patients to avoid activities that aggravate the pain. If you must use tools or sports equipment, you should check for proper fit. A racquet with a grip that is too large or too small may increase stress on the forearm.

Physical Therapy and Exercise

Physical therapy is important for strengthening the forearm muscles. Be sure to check with your orthopedic doctor prior to beginning any exercise regimen. A physical therapist will guide you through eccentric exercises. These involve lowering your wrist very slowly after raising it. This specific motion helps lengthen the tendon under tension.

According to data from the experts, physical therapy remains a cornerstone of effective recovery. Strengthening the extensor muscles relieves the burden on the injured tendon.

Bracing

Using a brace centered over the back of your forearm may also help relieve symptoms of tennis elbow. This can reduce symptoms by resting the muscles and tendons.

The brace acts as a counterforce. It reduces the tension on the muscles and prevents full force from reaching the injured tissue.

Make sure to discuss with your orthopedic doctor prior to using any brace.

Medications and Injections

If basic home remedies do not work, your doctor may recommend medication.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) reduce pain and swelling. These are often the first pharmacological steps in finding the best treatment for tennis elbow.

Steroid Injections

Steroids, such as cortisone, are effective anti-inflammatory medicines. Dr. Pervaiz may decide to inject your painful area with a steroid to relieve your symptoms.

While effective for short-term relief, doctors use these cautiously. Repeated injections can weaken the tendon over time.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a biological treatment designed to improve the biological environment of the tissue. This involves taking a sample of your own blood and spinning it to concentrate the platelets. The doctor then injects the platelets into the injured area.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

If your symptoms do not respond after 6 to 12 months of nonsurgical treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery. Dr. Pervaiz and Dr. Janz will discuss the risks and benefits with you.

Open Surgery

The traditional approach to tennis elbow repair is open surgery. The surgeon removes diseased muscle and reattaches healthy muscle back to the bone.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Tennis elbow can also be repaired using miniature instruments and small incisions. This is a minimally invasive approach.

This method often results in a faster recovery time. Dr. Janz will evaluate if you are a candidate for this less invasive option.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery is a gradual process. It is important to follow the instructions of Dr. Pervaiz and Dr. Janz closely.

Post-Surgical Care

After surgery, your arm may be immobilized temporarily with a splint. You will remove the splint after about one week.

After the splint is removed, stitches are removed and physical therapy begins. You will start with gentle stretching exercises under the close supervision and direction of your orthopedic doctor.

Return to Activity

Light, gradual strengthening exercises usually start about two months after surgery. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to athletic activity. This is usually four to six months after surgery.

Preventing Recurrence

Once your pain is gone, you must prevent it from returning. Continued strengthening is vital.

• Warm up properly before the activity.
• Use lightweight tools to reduce strain.
• Check your technique with a coach.

Dr. Pervaiz emphasizes that correcting improper form in sports or work tasks is essential. If you use a racquet, ensure the string tension is appropriate.

Best Treatment for Tennis Elbow in Maryland

Finding the best treatment for tennis elbow requires a partnership with experienced orthopedic specialists.

At The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics – Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland Division, we utilize the latest diagnostic tools. We offer comprehensive care plans tailored to your lifestyle. Dr. Pervaiz and Dr. Janz bring years of expertise to diagnosing and treating complex elbow conditions.

Whether you need physical therapy referrals, advanced injections, or surgical repair, we guide you through every step. Your recovery is our main objective.

We serve patients throughout the Maryland area. Let us help you find relief and get back to doing what you love. Contact us today at (410) 644-1880 or schedule a consultation online.