Tennis elbow, clinically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow affects far more than athletes—it commonly impacts office workers, manual laborers, golfers, and anyone who performs repetitive gripping or wrist motions.
Our practice provides expert diagnosis and advanced tennis elbow treatment, led by board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic specialists focused on relieving pain, restoring strength, and preventing recurrence.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow develops when repetitive stress causes microscopic tears in the tendons that stabilize the elbow. Over time, this leads to inflammation, tendon degeneration, and persistent pain.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive gripping or lifting
- Racquet sports such as tennis or pickleball
- Manual labor (construction, plumbing, landscaping)
- Prolonged computer or mouse use
- Poor technique or improper equipment
Common Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Patients with tennis elbow often experience:
- Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Pain when lifting, shaking hands, or turning a doorknob
- Discomfort that worsens with activity
- Stiffness in the elbow and forearm
Early evaluation is important to prevent worsening tendon damage.
Accurate Tennis Elbow Diagnosis
Our specialists perform a detailed physical examination and may use imaging such as X-rays or MRI to rule out other conditions. Proper diagnosis ensures your treatment plan is precise and effective.
Non-Surgical Tennis Elbow Treatment Options
Most patients find relief without surgery. Conservative tennis elbow treatments may include:
- Activity modification and ergonomic adjustments
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Targeted physical therapy
- Bracing or forearm straps
- Corticosteroid or biologic injections
- Shockwave therapy or other regenerative options
These treatments focus on reducing pain, promoting tendon healing, and restoring normal arm function.
When Is Surgery Needed for Tennis Elbow?
Surgery is rarely required but may be recommended if symptoms persist after extended non-surgical care. Surgical treatment focuses on removing damaged tendon tissue and stimulating healing to restore strength and relieve pain.
Our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to support faster recovery and optimal outcomes.
Why Choose Our Orthopedic Specialists?
Our elbow and upper extremity care is provided by a team of board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons with extensive experience treating complex tendon and overuse injuries. We emphasize personalized care, evidence-based treatments, and long-term relief—not just short-term symptom management.
Recovery and Prevention
Most patients improve within weeks to months with proper treatment. Preventing recurrence may include:
- Strengthening and flexibility exercises
- Proper technique and equipment use
- Ergonomic workplace adjustments
- Gradual return to activity
Our team works closely with you to reduce reinjury and maintain elbow health.
Schedule a Tennis Elbow Evaluation
If elbow pain is interfering with work, sports, or daily life, expert care can help. Early treatment leads to better results and faster recovery.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our comprehensive tennis elbow treatment options.
TENNIS ELBOW Q&A
What causes tennis elbow?
Despite the name, tennis elbow isn’t restricted to athletes. Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, occurs when the tendons in the elbow endure repetitive stress. Overuse of the forearm muscles causes tiny tears in the tendons that connect the forearm to the elbow, resulting in elbow pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion.
The movements associated with playing tennis (straightening and raising the arm with force) are often the cause of tennis elbow, giving the condition its name.
How is tennis elbow diagnosed?
Tennis elbow is primarily diagnosed through a physical exam. Your provider examines the area for pain, tenderness, and strength. They’ll ask you to perform simple tasks, like straightening your arm and moving your wrists and fingers.
You and your provider discuss your medical history to determine if there may be other underlying causes for your pain. In addition to a physical exam, your doctor may perform an X-Ray, MRI, or Electromyography (EMG) to rule out conditions like arthritis and fractures.
How is tennis elbow treated?
Mild tennis elbow can often be treated with rest and icing of the affected area. If your condition is severe or persistent, the experts at Texas Orthopaedic Associates can take other measures to relieve your pain. Treatments for tennis elbow include:
Home remedies
If your tennis elbow is mild, your provider may recommend avoiding activities that aggravate your elbow pain. You can try over-the-counter pain relievers or intermittent icing if the pain persists. Texas Orthopaedic Associates advises working with your coach to develop alternative techniques to avoid stress on your tendons, if your tennis elbow is related to sports activity.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is an effective nonsurgical solution to tennis elbow. Physical therapy can help you stretch and strengthen the muscles in your forearm. You may also be asked to wear a brace to reduce stress on the injured elbow.
Minimally invasive surgery
Texas Orthopedic Associates also offers minimally invasive surgery if your condition doesn’t respond to noninvasive methods. Your doctor uses several small incisions to remove and replace damaged tissue in your elbow and forearm.
Your treatment depends on the severity of your condition. The team at Texas Orthopaedic Associates develops individualized treatment plans designed to optimize your recovery and get you back to your routine.
To find out which treatment is best for you, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.