Generally, the symptoms of Tennis Elbow will develop gradually and worsen over time. Symptoms of Tennis elbow may be any one or all of the following:
● Elbow pain located on the outer part of the elbow
● Pain that worsens with gripping activities, making a fist, opening doors, holding a glass of water, and many other activities that in part require extension of the wrist
● Weakness noticed with any of the above activities
If You Are Experiencing Symptoms, Schedule an Appointment Dr. Burke Orthopedics Immediately.The treatment for Tennis Elbow is almost always conservative. The treatment involves:
● Discontinuation of the aggravating activity, allowing the tendons to rest
● NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
● Strapping and/or taping of the firearm in order to support the elbow and take pressure off of it
● Cortisone injections
● Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: this intervention consists of sending sound waves to the area of injury in order to facilitate healing
● Physical therapy: there are many exercises that a patient will be instructed to perform in physical therapy with the focus on eccentric exercises. Eccentric exercises are a form of strengthening the muscle as it lengthens, as opposed to a concentric contraction as in a biceps curl, when the muscle is shortening as it contracts. Eccentric exercises have been proven to be quite effective in managing the pain of tendon injuries. Deep tissue and transverse friction massage are also modalities that physical therapists frequently use when treating tendon injuries
There are surgical options that may be considered when the progression of this condition is very advanced and conservative treatment fails to reduce pain and improve function. Surgery for Lateral Epicondylitis involves removal of the damaged/diseased part of the tendon.