Tennis Elbow Overview
Tennis elbow is inflammation of the tendons that insert on the outside (lateral) part of the elbow. Stick sports athletes and manual laborers commonly experience tennis elbow. Early tennis elbow treatment ensures symptom relief and a quick return to normal activities. Please make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) elbow specialist as soon as symptoms present.
Symptoms & Causes
Tennis elbow symptoms include:
- Burning
- Pain
- Weakened grip
Sports and activities that involve gripping an object and forcefully sticking another are the cause of tennis elbow. Common examples include:
- Golf
- Tennis
- Using a hammer
Common Treatments:
Nonsurgical treatment options treat tennis elbow. After a thorough evaluation, a CONA elbow specialist may recommend:
- An elbow brace
- Activity modification
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Physical therapy
- Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
- Steroid injections
Tennis elbow symptoms quickly reside when the injury is properly treated. Surgery is not a tennis elbow treatment option.
Diagnosis:
A CONA elbow specialist asks specific questions about the patient’s injury, symptoms and lifestyle. A series of physical tests are performed to see if they produce symptoms. Medical imaging studies are not needed to make an accurate diagnosis.
Need an appointment?
Fill out our appointment request form or call our office directly at 864-583-CONA. For sudden or urgent injuries and pain, visit our Orthopedic Urgent Care in Greenville and Spartanburg.