Tennis Elbow Specialist
Depending on the severity of the injury, nonsurgical treatments may allow the patient to overcome this condition. In more severe cases, especially where severe pain exists that does not improve with nonsurgical treatments, surgical intervention may be necessary. Dr. Flanagin will diagnose and offer the appropriate treatment so that his patients can return to their normal activities.
Tennis Elbow - Treatment for Lateral Epicondylitis (Dallas)
About Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful ailment of the tendons that surround the elbow. When there are small microtears or degeneration within these tendons, inflammation sets in causing the patient to feel throbbing pain that may or may not go away with therapeutic massage, icing, or rest. When the elbow has repetitive trauma to the torn area, the tears are not able to recover and heal properly. Athletes (such as tennis players, bowlers, golfers, body builders, and pitchers), and professionals who use their arms to make a living (painters, carpenters, hairdressers, musicians, factory workers, etc.) are all at a high risk for tennis elbow.
Depending on the severity of the injury, nonsurgical treatments may allow the patient to overcome this condition. In more severe cases, especially where severe pain exists that does not improve with nonsurgical treatments, surgical intervention may be necessary. Dr. Flanagin will diagnose and offer the appropriate treatment so that his patients can return to their normal activities.
Injury Symptoms
Radiating pain along the forearm, throbbing, and swelling around the outside of the elbow are the general symptoms of lateral epicondylitis. The pain can also spread vertically throughout the entire arm, even reaching the shoulder area in some cases. When the pain of this condition becomes unbearable, patients can lose their ability to be physically active, go to work, or complete daily living tasks. Lifting things, grasping with the hand, and rotating the arm may be impossible to do without agonizing pain.
Treatment Options
As with most musculoskeletal conditions, once all other options and resources have been explored, a consultation from an orthopedic surgeon is usually warranted. Tennis elbow typically cannot be left untreated because the severity of the pain is usually too debilitating for an individual, decreasing their productivity significantly. Surgery may be an option if nonsurgical methods fail to work. Arthroscopic or open elbow surgery can be performed to repair the damaged and torn tendons, and remove any loose cartilage or bone spurs. This minimally-invasive surgical treatment provides great outcomes and allows patients to rehab their arm to recovery. Generally, there will be about 12 weeks of recovery time followed by months of physical therapy to get the most out of this surgical intervention.
Heal Your Elbow Today
We invite you to call our orthopedic surgery office and schedule your consultation with our board-certified orthopedic surgeon today. When traditional, at-home treatments are no longer effective, it is time to consult with a trusted surgeon. We can help alleviate the throbbing, never-ending pain associated with your injury and help you get back into the game of life. Please call our orthopedic practice today and schedule your appointment.
*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.