Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow. It happens when the tendon that attaches the forearm muscles to the elbow becomes inflamed or damaged. The condition is common in people who play sports like tennis, but it can also occur in anyone who overuses their arm or elbow, such as plumbers, carpenters, and painters. If you need to see an orthopedist in Metairie, LA. Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine will be happy to help.

Tennis elbow is not the only reason you might be experiencing elbow pain. Here are five other potential causes:

Treatment for tennis elbow and elbow pain in general

If your elbow pain is mild, there are some things you can do at home to help relieve it. These include:

• Resting the affected arm
• Icing the elbow for 20 minutes at a time
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
• Wearing a forearm splint or elbow strap
• Doing exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons around the elbow

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see a health professional: intense pain, swelling, bruising, loss of range of motion, and if you struggle to move your elbow.

An orthopedic doctor will examine your elbow and ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may order X-rays or an MRI to look thoroughly at your elbow’s bones and soft tissues. Once the doctor determines the cause, the treatment plan may include:

Physical therapy: This treatment can help relieve pain and improve the range of motion. The therapist may use ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or other procedures. They will also teach you exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons around your elbow.

Corticosteroid injections: These shots are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that a health professional injects directly into the elbow joint. They can provide short-term relief from pain and inflammation.

Immobilization: A health professional can place a splint, sling, or brace to rest the elbow and allow the injured tendons and muscles to heal.

Arthroscopic tennis elbow release: This surgical procedure involves making small incisions in the elbow joint and using a camera to remove the damaged tissue. It is usually only considered when all other treatment options have failed.

Let us take the pain away | Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine

Elbow pain can be a nuisance, but it is usually not serious. With proper treatment, most people recover within a few weeks or months. Visit an orthopedic surgeon in Metairie, LA, if you have any symptoms; Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine specializes in elbow, shoulder, and knee surgery. Dr. Spinoza’s team of board-certified physicians will give you the treatment you deserve. Book an appointment today or call 504-217-5319 today!

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.