Tennis elbow…Not seen only in athletes

Elbow pain related to lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow is a common condition affecting millions of Americans. Although tennis elbow occurs in athletes playing racket sports and other sports, it is also very common among active individuals not involved in sports. Tennis elbow typically presents as pain localized to the lateral aspect or outside of the elbow associated with use of the hand and upper extremity. The condition usually occurs as a result of repetitive overuse or poor technique in sports. Tennis elbow results from degeneration of the wrist extensor muscle group origin at the elbow.

The cornerstone of treatment of tennis elbow centers on stretching and strengthening of the wrist extensor group. Physical therapy including use of ultrasound and electrical stimulation can be beneficial. Braces or straps designed to decrease stress on the degenerative tendon can also be helpful. Steroid injections in the elbow can be used sparingly for refractory cases of tennis elbow. Outpatient surgery consisting of release and/or removal of degenerative tendon tissue is considered when nonsurgical treatment fails to provide relief of symptoms.

An evaluation by your orthopedic surgeon is necessary to diagnose and treat this common elbow disorder.

Author
Luis M. Espinoza MD Dr. Espinoza served as the AAA Team Doctor for the the New Orleans Zephyrs/BabyCakes since joining the Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine in 2003. He is double board certified in General Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine.

You Might Also Enjoy...

OCSM Healthcare: Cervical Spine Dermatomes. 4921 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA 70001

Neck Pain (Dermatome) Patterns

Dermatomes are specific regions of the skin that are innervated by a single spinal nerve. The cervical dermatomes refer to those areas of the skin that are supplied by the sensory nerves arising from the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord. Each cerv
OCSM Lifestyle Medicine: 4921 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA 70001. NOLASPORTSMEDICINE.COM

Thanksgiving Gratitude

Thanksgiving can be a time when we all choose to share in the giving and receiving of food that we may not be accustomed to eating every day. Here are a few hints to ensure this time of year is indeed filled with intentions of GRATITUDE as well as LOVE!
OCSM Physical Therapy - Annual Wellness visits. 4921 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA 70001

Benefits of Annual Physical Therapy Assessments

Physical therapists specialize in biomechanical assessments of the body. PTs are training to help people maintain every level of activity, Identifying problems BEFORE injury can make huge differences in long term outcomes.
Chadwick Murphy MD - Neck and Back Pain  Interventional Spine Specialist. OCSM Health Clinic at 4921 Airline Drive, Metairie,

Neck and Low Back Spine Specialist

Chadwick Murphy, MD, is a double board-certified interventional spine specialist at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine in Metairie, Louisiana. Specializing in pain medicine, physical medicine, and rehabilitation, Dr. Murphy understands the importance of
Metairie Pulmonary and Lifestyle Medicine Clinic

Ode to a Physician: A Tree, a Car and an Empty Glass Jar

After reading the recent article in the New York Times titled "The Moral Crisis of America's Doctors", I felt the need to encourage those beginning this journey. There is MUCH HOPE in this calling. The HEALING has to begin with self reflection.