Three Things You Should Know About Tennis Elbow
Dr. Holmes is a physician with specialized training in sports medicine who treats patients in Tennessee. He is delighted also to give informational consults from people in other states and internationally.
First of all, what is “tennis elbow”?
It is a medical condition where the tendon on the outside of the elbow becomes inflamed or partially torn. Tennis elbow occurs most frequently in middle-age, in people who engage in activities that involve repetitive gripping and grabbing. This can include activities as simple as household chores as well as playing competitive tennis or golf.
Here are three things you should know if you suffer from tennis elbow:
- Early treatment can be very beneficial. It can include rest from repetitive wrist and forearm activity; wearing a wrist splint; taking anti-inflammatory medications; and, most importantly, avoiding grabbing objects with the elbow straight and the palm turned down.
2. If your case of tennis elbow is more advanced, you have the option of physical therapy (recommended) or cortisone injections — although you generally should avoid multiple cortisone injections.
3. Ten percent of tennis elbow patients continue to have symptoms even after thorough traditional treatments. Many of them opt for platelet-rich plasma or amniotic membrane injections, or a minimally-invasive surgery called percutaneous tenotomy.
Dr. Holmes is a sports medicine physician who has been practicing for more than 18 years. He focuses on delivering patient care with expertise, innovation, and compassion. To learn more about tennis elbow or treatment for other common sports-related and orthopedic conditions, feel free to schedule a virtual appointment with Dr. Holmes on HealthTap.
Learn more about tennis elbow here
