How Do I Treat My Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that commonly occurs in tennis players and other athletes who frequently use their arms. Tennis elbow can be painful and inconvenient, but it responds well to treatment, especially when treated promptly. Often, non-surgical treatment is effective at relieving symptoms. 
Understanding Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a form of tendonitis, in which the tendons located in the elbow and arm become inflamed, swollen, and irritated. Tennis elbow is common in tennis players, as well as other people who perform repetitive gripping activities using the thumb and first two fingers, such as squash and weightlifting. People who regularly perform activities such as painting, raking, carpentry, and typing are also prone to tennis elbow. The condition is the most common elbow complaint.
Tennis elbow usually develops slowly over time, rather than as a result of acute injury. When the muscles are overused and stressed over time, microscopic tears can develop. Because the tendons receive a low blood supply and heal slowly, overuse and tearing can cause long-lasting inflammation.
Symptoms
The symptoms of tennis elbow vary in severity. The primary symptom is pain on the bone on the outside of the elbow, which is where the tendons connect to the bone. Pain can also occur in the upper or lower part of the arm. Pain tends to be more pronounced when the hands are used, and may occur during activities such as:
- Gripping an object
- Lifting an object
- Grasping a door handle
- Straightening the wrist
- Shaking hands
- Making a fist
Treatment Options
There are a number of non-invasive and minimally invasive tennis elbow treatment options that successfully resolve the majority of cases. Options for tennis elbow treatment include:
- Icing the elbow for 20-30 minutes at a time, several times a day for several days
- Using an elbow strap to prevent further damage
- Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and Advil to relief inflammation, pain, and swelling (short-term only unless otherwise directed by a physician)
- Physical therapy to restore mobility and strength
- Range of motion exercises to prevent stiffness and maintain flexibility
- Steroid injections to provide more powerful anti-inflammatory effects
- Surgical treatment for severe cases that continue to cause symptoms after 2-4 months of treatment
What to Expect During Your Consultation 
The first step to getting relief from tennis elbow is to schedule a consultation with a trusted physician. During the consultation, the doctor will ask about when the injury occurred and what symptoms are present. The physician will perform a thorough examination of the arm. To confirm the diagnosis, it is usually necessary to perform a medical imaging test, such as an MRI.
Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about which tennis elbow treatment is right for you. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.
