A tennis elbow injury happens when the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB) tendon becomes inflamed by repeated motion. In medical terms, “tennis elbow” is the Lateral Epicondyle tendon, which secures the ECRB to your elbow joint. The ECRB tendon attaches your forearm muscles to this joint. Those muscles reach down your arm to your wrist and fingers. Overuse of this tendon, often attributed to racquet sports, causes inflammation, and irritation and creates, most of the time, a lot of pain.
Despite this name, most patients who have a tennis elbow don’t play tennis. They usually have jobs that involve repeated movements leading to tennis elbow injury. In most cases, a tennis elbow condition has no clear cause.
If you are experiencing pain in your elbow and need treatment, please contact us at Fair Oaks Ortho. Dr. Stephen W. Pournaras & our professional medical staff have a great knowledge of the complex network of blood vessels, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones that make up your elbow and arm. We can help you to recover by simply contacting us today.
Dr. Pournaras considers many factors while making a diagnosis, including how your symptoms developed, potential occupational risks, and recreational sports involvement.
He will talk to you about what activities could possibly cause your symptoms and where on your arm the pain occurs. If you have a history of rheumatoid arthritis or nerve disease, these also play a part in your future treatment.
During your initial appointment, Dr. Pournaras will use a variety of tests. For example, asking you to try to straighten your wrist and fingers against resistance with your arm fully straight to see if this causes pain. This often tells him that those muscles may not be healthy.
Despite the name “tennis elbow”, atheletes are not the only patients who can get tennis elbow. People whose work or recreational activities that require the repetitive use of their forearm are prone to this condition as well. Painters, plumbers, and carpenters are people likely to develop tennis elbow. Studies have shown that auto workers, cooks, and even butchers get tennis elbow more often than the rest of the population. It is also thought that the repetition movement and weight lifting required in these occupations, often leads to injury.
Symptoms of a tennis elbow develop over time. In most cases, the pain begins slowly and starts to worsen over time.
There is usually no specific injury that starts these symptoms.
Common signs of a tennis elbow include:
The symptoms are often worse with continued forearm activities, such as holding a racquet, turning a wrench, or shaking hands. Generally, your dominant arm is most affected; however, both arms can develop this condition.
Treatment Options For Tennis Elbow Symptoms
Repairing a tennis elbow is generally outpatient surgery. It does not require an overnight stay.
On your surgery day, you will be given a sedative to help you relax and feel sleepy. Numbing medicine is then injected into your arm. This will block pain during your surgery.
If you have open surgery, Dr. Pournaras will make one incision on your injured tendon. The unhealthy part of the tendon is cut away. He will repair the tendon using a suture anchor. Or, the injured tendon may be stitched to other tendons. When your surgery is over, the incision is closed with stitches.
Tennis elbow surgery can also be performed by using an arthroscope. This is a thin tube with a tiny camera and light on the end. Before surgery, you will get the same medicine as in open surgery to make you relax and to block any pain.
Dr. Pournaras will then makes some small cuts to insert the scope. This scope is attached to a video monitor. It helps him see inside of your elbow area. Dr. Pournaras will then remove the unhealthy part of your tendon.
Tennis elbow surgery relieves pain for most patients. Many are able to return to sports and other activities that use their elbow within 4 to 6 months. Continuing the recommended exercise helps to ensure the problem does not return.
Mon 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Tue 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Wed 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Thu 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Fri 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
For over 30 years, Virginia Board Certified Physician, Dr. Stephen W. Pournaras, Jr. has provided excellent healthcare and treatment for his patients. As a multi-specialty orthopedic practice, offering the best for you medically to treat, heal and lead you to optimum recovery. We are dedicated to using state-of-the-art technology while building nurturing relationships with each of our patients.
Contact Us Today.
