Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, affects thousands of people every year. While commonly linked to racket sports, it strikes anyone whose activities include repetitive forearm motions. If you have tennis elbow, you know the challenges firsthand. This includes pain, reduced grip strength, and difficulty with everyday tasks.
Recovery is possible, but choosing the most effective tennis elbow treatment can feel overwhelming. Should you try non-surgical methods first or consider surgical options sooner? Let us explore both paths, helping you learn which might work best for your unique situation.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow
Understanding your treatment choices can help you make good decisions and get back to enjoying life. Here are some non-surgical options:
Rest and Changing Activities
The first step to managing tennis elbow is to rest your arm. Stop or change any activities that cause pain. This helps prevent more damage to the tendons in your elbow.
Physical Therapy and Exercises at Home
A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise plan tailored specifically to your needs. Stretching and strengthening exercises slowly build up the muscles around your elbow.
Many people feel less pain and move better after sticking to therapy for about twelve weeks.
Braces or Support Devices
Doctors often suggest using braces or straps. These help alleviate strain on the injured tendon.
Wearing a brace during tasks that involve repeated movements can ease pain and stop further injury.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
You can use common pain relievers like ibuprofen to help with pain and swelling. These are usually taken for short-term relief, especially when the injury is new.
Steroid Injections
If the pain does not go away, doctors might recommend steroid injections. These injections deliver strong medicine directly to the painful area.
Relief often happens quickly, but it might not last long. Getting too many injections in a short time is not advised, as it can make the tendon weaker.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Some people try PRP therapy. It is where a small amount of their blood is taken, treated, and then injected into the injured spot.
This is done to help the body heal itself using its natural growth factors. Early results look good, but more studies are needed to know if it works well over time.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy uses energy waves on the elbow to promote healing and relief. These waves are believed to help repair tissue and reduce pain.
This treatment is non-invasive, and noticeable improvements often occur after just a few sessions.
Potential Limitations of Non-Surgical Treatments
Non-surgical treatments work for about 80 to 90 percent of tennis elbow sufferers. However, improvement can be gradual, and complete recovery may take three to six months.
If symptoms persist after six to twelve months of consistent conservative treatment, further options may be needed.
Surgical Treatments for Tennis Elbow
When pain and movement problems do not improve after many months of non-surgical care, surgery might be an option.
Surgery focuses on fixing the damaged tendon to bring back strength and remove painful tissue.
Open Surgery
Open surgery is the standard method for treating tennis elbow. The doctor makes a small cut over the elbow to reach the damaged tendon.
The damaged tissue is removed, and the affected area is repaired or reattached. This surgery usually takes less than an hour and is done with local or general anesthesia.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Newer methods let doctors use less invasive arthroscopic techniques. Small cuts are made, and a camera with tiny tools is used.
Arthroscopic surgery typically results in reduced pain and minimal scarring, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional procedures. It also allows quicker healing compared to open surgery.
What to Expect During Recovery
Post-surgery recovery typically requires a period of three to six months. Physical therapy plays a vital role during this period.
Your therapist will guide you through exercises to restore mobility, strength, and flexibility. Once fully healed, most patients experience reduced pain and enhanced functionality, allowing them to resume their regular activities with ease.
Risks of Surgery
Surgical treatment carries certain risks, such as infection, nerve injury, or continued pain.
However, complications are rare, especially when performed by experienced orthopedic surgeons.
Your doctor can outline specific risks based on your health and surgical history.
How to Find the Best Orthopedic Doctor for Tennis Elbow Treatment
Choosing the right orthopedic specialist can make a major difference in your recovery. Here are some strategies to help you find a doctor for tennis elbow treatment:
Look for Board Certification and Experience
Board-certified orthopedic doctors have completed advanced training in musculoskeletal disorders.
Seek out doctors with experience managing tennis elbow, as they are most up-to-date with the latest techniques.
Ask About Treatment Philosophy
A good orthopedic doctor tailors recommendations based on each patient’s needs, goals, and lifestyle.
During your consultation, ask about their approach to both non-surgical and surgical treatments.
Check Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading about other patients’ experiences can offer insight into a doctor’s expertise and bedside manner. Positive reviews are often a sign of compassionate and effective care.
Evaluate Communication and Support
During your visit, pay attention to how well the orthopedic doctor listens and explains your options.
The best doctors welcome your questions, address your concerns, and support you throughout the healing process.
Effective Tennis Elbow Treatment in Dover, NJ
Tennis elbow can sideline you from your favorite activities, but effective treatment is within reach. Most people find relief through non-surgical treatments like therapy, bracing, and medication. For patients whose pain persists beyond several months, surgical intervention is a safe and effective next step.
Finding an experienced, board-certified orthopedic specialist can help you select the right course of treatment. The orthopedic experts at Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey are here to guide you. For tennis elbow treatment, call (973) 989-0888 or fill out our appointment request form today.
We look forward to serving you!
