Tennis Elbow Specialist

What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?

When you have tennis elbow, you might have soreness that extends from the outer part of your elbow to your forearm. This pain might even reach down to your wrist, making it hard for you to hold items and do other simple tasks. Over time, you might end up experiencing weakness in your elbow, forearm, and wrist.

What causes tennis elbow?

You can develop this condition if you strain the muscles in your forearm by doing the same motion repeatedly or overusing this part of your arm. This can cause small tears to occur in the tendons that connect your muscles and elbow. This condition gets its name from the repetitive backhand stroke that tennis players often use, which strains the forearm muscles, but it can also occur from other activities, such as using tools.

How does Dr. Bennett diagnose tennis elbow?

Dr.Bennett performs a physical exam that usually involves having you move your forearm and wrist in certain ways. This helps him determine how much your injury affects your range of motion and how severe the pain is. If Dr. Bennett needs more information to make a diagnosis, he’ll order imaging tests, such as X-rays.

How does Dr.Bennett treat tennis elbow?

Dr.Bennett generally recommends nonsurgical forms of treatment for tennis elbow before considering surgery. These include:

• Counterforce brace that helps ease tension on your affected tendons, resulting in pain relief
• Physical therapy exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve your range of motion.
• Nonprescription pain relievers, ice packs, and rest when you’re home

If these measures aren’t providing you with relief from your symptoms, Dr. Bennett might discuss surgery with you.

What kinds of surgical options are available for tennis elbow?

Dr. Bennett recommends minimally invasive procedures if possible in order to reduce recovery time and lower the risk of infection, bleeding, and other complications. These include:

• Elbow arthroscopy which involves making a small incision and placing a camera and surgical instruments inside it to perform repairs
• Tenex Health TX™procedure which involves using ultrasound technology for eliminating damaged tissue
• Open repairs for more severe cases of tennis elbow

If you have symptoms of tennis elbow, please contact J. Michael Bennett, MD, PA to set up an appointment.