Tennis Elbow, medically known as Lateral Epicondylitis, is one of the most common causes of outer elbow pain in adults. This condition develops when the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle — the bony bump on the outside of the elbow — become strained or inflamed due to repetitive wrist and forearm movements.
Despite its name, tennis elbows are not limited to athletes. It frequently affects individuals in occupations or hobbies that involve repeated gripping, twisting, or lifting — such as construction, plumbing, carpentry, painting, mechanics, or office work.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we help patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas regain comfort and restore function through accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and long-term prevention strategies.
Your forearm muscles connect to the elbow via strong tendons that help stabilize the wrist and allow you to extend your hand. Repetitive stress or overuse of these muscles can cause microscopic tears in the tendon fibers near their attachment site.
Over time, these micro tears lead to inflammation, tissue degeneration, and chronic pain that worsens with continued activity.
Common causes and contributing factors include:
Tennis Elbow symptoms often develop gradually but can become persistent without early care.
Typical signs include:
Symptoms typically worsen with activity and may temporarily improve with rest — only to return when motion resumes.
Accurate diagnosis is essential to distinguish Tennis Elbow from similar conditions such as radial tunnel syndrome, elbow arthritis, or nerve compression.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, conducts a thorough evaluation that may include:
Imaging:
This comprehensive assessment ensures the most effective treatment plan for your specific needs.
Non-Surgical Treatments
The majority of Tennis Elbow cases respond well to conservative treatment methods.
Dr. Burke designs a plan that focuses on reducing pain and inflammation while restoring strength and flexibility.
Treatment options may include:
Surgical Treatments
If symptoms persist after six to twelve months of consistent conservative care, Dr. Burke may recommend minimally invasive tendon debridement or release surgery.
This procedure removes damaged tendon tissue and stimulates healing in the surrounding healthy fibers.
Recovery and Prevention
Recovery:
Prevention tips:
With proper care, most patients achieve lasting relief and a full return to activity.
Contact Dr. Burke Orthopedics if you experience:
Early evaluation prevents chronic tendon degeneration and promotes faster recovery.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we are proud to serve patients throughout Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas.
Our mission is to restore your strength and function through compassionate orthopedic care backed by modern techniques and decades of surgical experience.
