How Doctors Treat Tennis Elbow

The warm weather is finally here – and with many of us having more time on our hands during the social distancing,  we’re renewing old hobbies and finding new ones. This means that many people are now enjoying a great game of tennis as a pastime. But with any sport – especially a new sport or one you haven’t played in a while – comes the occasional arm or elbow injury in children, teens and even adults.

One of the more common sports injuries that hand doctors see is “tennis elbow”. Doctor Rehman is specially trained to diagnose and treat sports injuries of the hand, arm, elbow & wrist. She has helped hundreds of patients get relief from tennis elbow and get back to the sport that they love as quickly as possible.

In this article, Bloomfield Hills hand and elbow specialists Doctor Rehman explains how to know if you have tennis elbow, and what you can do to recover quickly.

What is Tennis Elbow?

The elbow joint is comprised of the bone in the upper arm (the humerus) and one of the bones in the lower arm (the ulna), joined together by forearm muscles and tendons. The bony bumps at the bottom of the humerus are called epicondyles. And the bump on the outer side of the elbow is called the lateral epicondyle.

Tennis elbow is caused when tugging and overuse causes the tendons to become inflamed. Tiny tears occur in the tissue, resulting in pain and tenderness of the elbow.

Some studies indicate that up to 50 % of tennis players may suffer from this problem at some point in their career. Men and women tend to be affected equally by this condition, often between the ages of 35 and 65.

What are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?

When the bony bump on the outer side of the elbow is painful and tender, this typically indicates the condition of Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis).

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow include:

  • Pain or tenderness slowly increasing on the outer side of the elbow
  • Pain when straightening or raising your wrist and hand
  • Pain when lifting a heavy object
  • Pain when you make a fist, shake hands or squeeze an object
  • Pain may radiate from the elbow down into the forearm or up into the upper arm

A board certified doctor who specializes in the hands, wrists, arms, elbows and shoulders is the best person to diagnose this condition. A physical exam will be conducted to determine where the pain is originating, and X-rays of the elbow will often also be ordered to definitively diagnose the condition.

How Doctors Treat Tennis Elbow

Most tendon injuries such as this respond well and heal fully, if treatment is started early, before extensive damage is done.

Doctors’ treatments for tennis elbow may include:

  • Ice may be applied to the elbow for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 or 4 hours
  • Oral anti-inflammatory medication may also be prescribed for up to 4 to 6 weeks
  • Corticosteroid injections may be prescribed, to further reduce the inflammation
  • Use of a “tennis elbow strap” around the forearm below the elbow
  • Physical therapy range of motion and strengthening exercises
  • Avoiding the repetitive movements that caused the damage
  • In extreme cases surgery can sometimes be required

Top Bloomfield Hills Tennis Elbow Doctor

If you or someone you love is experiencing elbow pain, stiffness or tenderness contact Doctor Rehman for a thorough evaluation and comprehensive treatment plan. Early intervention is the key with tennis elbow, in order to avoid surgery and get you back on the court as quickly as possible.

Board certified hand surgeon Doctor Rehman and her team of specially-trained therapists will accurately diagnose your condition, and put together the best treatment plan to help you attain a full recovery.

As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to combat the effects of conditions like tennis elbow.

Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation at her Bloomfield Hills or Macomb County office, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition.

Bloomfield Hills Tennis Elbow Doctor: 248.335.2638