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:

• Pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow
• Weak grip or strength
• Pain at night

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

• Limited use and resting your arm from motions that make your symptoms worse.
• Splints or braces can help to decrease stress on the injured tissues.
• Applying ice packs on your elbow to reduce swelling.
• Avoiding activity that increases stress on the tendons.
• Ultrasound treatment to increase blood flow and promote healing to your injured tendons.
• Rest and avoid activities that inflame your tennis elbow
• Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen for pain and swelling reduction
• Physical therapy can improve mobility, flexibility, and decrease your pain
• Elbow brace or wrist splint to rest the muscles and tendons affected
• Corticosteroid injections to relieve more severe 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.