Tennis Elbow
Treatment for Tennis Elbow at Our Fort Worth Practice
Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is a painful condition caused by overuse. While it is no surprise that tennis and other racquet sports are a primary cause of this elbow condition, many occupations can also contribute to this strain injury. Carpenters, painters, plumbers, mechanics, cooks, and butchers are more prone to the tell-tale elbow pain that is indicative of lateral epicondylitis than the rest of the population.
Fortunately, our physicians offers patients in Greater Fort Worth suffering from tennis elbow a number of treatment options, ranging from conservative, non-surgical treatment to minimally invasive (click for pricing $ page) and arthroscopic (camera-assisted) surgical techniques to open surgery.
We work diligently to keep our costs down if you do have to undergo surgery. Notably, we use ambulatory surgery centers to avoid hospital fees, can perform several procedures in our in-office procedure rooms, and we also accept CareCredit® financing to cover out-of-pocket costs.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Three bones make up the elbow joint. The humerus is your upper arm bone and the radius and ulna are the two bones in your forearm. The joint at the elbow is held together by muscles, ligaments, and tendons. While the painful symptoms of lateral epicondylitis are felt at the elbow, the actual injury is due to overuse of the muscles and tendons of your forearm that are used to extend your wrist and fingers.
The tendons that attach the forearm muscle to the bone, often called extensors, attach to the lateral epicondyle. This is the bony bump on the outside of the elbow. The forearm muscle associated with lateral epicondylitis is called the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB). The ECRB helps stabilize the wrist when the elbow is straight.
When weakened from overuse, microscopic tears form in the tendon that connects the ECRB to the lateral epicondyle. These tiny tears lead to inflammation, which in turn causes lateral (outer) elbow pain.
What Are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?
Mild discomfort occurring on the outside of the upper forearm, just below the bend at the elbow, is generally the first symptom of tennis elbow. As the condition progresses, so does the level of inflammation present in the tendon. This eventually leads to increasing levels of elbow pain. Sufferers may begin to experience pain further down the arm, towards the wrist. They may also notice their grip strength begins to weaken. Symptoms will intensify with forearm activity such as holding a tennis racquet, turning a wrench, or even just shaking hands.
As inflammation in the tendon continues to escalate, some may begin to experience pain when simply bending the affected arm. At a certain point, performing everyday tasks such as writing or grabbing small objects may prove painful. Pain in the elbow and forearm may also be felt when turning a door handle. If you are exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is time to have your elbow examined by a doctor.
/https://d1l9wtg77iuzz5.cloudfront.net/assets/6551/293819/original.jpg?1583792416)
"Compassionate and Understanding"
Elizabeth Flash
2019
One of the nicest and most competent doctors I have ever been to. Very compassionate and knowledgeable. Took his time, explained everything thoroughly. I highly recommend him!! Thank you Dr. Lesley for a wonderful experience. Also his office staff and nurses are wonderful and the wait time was the shortest I’ve ever experienced. A+ in my books!!
View On Google
Candice Richardson
2019
Dr. Lesley is very good at what he does. He was very compassionate and understanding when I told him how much pain I was in. He took time to answer my questions and explain everything. The staff was also great. Two days out from elbow surgery.
View On GoogleContact the Hand to Shoulder Center for Expert Care
Dr. Lesley specializes in surgery of the arm, elbow, wrist, and hands. Our team is able to treat patients in any condition and at any age, from the shoulders to the fingertips. This eliminates the need to consult multiple specialists before finding the right physician. It also allows our fellowship-trained doctor to offer patients in the Greater Fort Worth area a multitude of options for their tennis elbow treatment.
At The Hand to Shoulder Center, we are focused on you returning to a pain-free life as quickly as possible. Our goal is for you to resume all the activities you love, without restriction. We have the tools, expertise, and compassion to provide you with the care you need so that you can make a full recovery. Dr. Lesley performs open and arthroscopic surgical techniques, and our team offers in-house physical therapy for the convenience of our patients.
Learn for yourself why so many patients choose our practice. To schedule an appointment at our Fort Worth, TX, office, contact us online or call:
(817) 420-9238
How Is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?
/https://d1l9wtg77iuzz5.cloudfront.net/assets/6551/293727/original.jpg?1583780154)
Only a specialty-trained medical professional can properly diagnose the severity of your condition and develop a treatment plan. However, there is a simple test you can perform at home to see if it is time to consult a physician. Standing behind a chair, place your hands palm-down on top of the chair back. With your elbows straight, try to lift the chair. If you feel pain on the outside of your elbow, it is time to see a doctor.
In order to provide a diagnosis, your doctor will discuss the activities that cause you discomfort, as well as where on your arm the symptoms occur. Be sure to mention any injuries you may have had in the past, as it may influence how to best treat your tennis elbow.
Effective Non-Surgical Treatment Options
We know that if you are suffering from the painful symptoms of tennis elbow, you are searching for a quick treatment with a minimal impact on your daily life. Depending on the severity of your case, we may be able to offer effective non-surgical treatments. Dr. Lesley often recommends:
Rest
The first step towards reducing inflammation is to rest your arm so the tendons have a chance to recover. Taking a break from your favorite sport or finding a way to work around repetitive, on-the-job tasks for a number of weeks can have great benefits.
NSAIDs
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling. It is important to combine these with rest, as although NSAIDs can help minimize pain in the elbow, the tendon in your arm is still recovering from injury.
Physical Therapy
We always start with the least invasive treatment for all types of elbow pain. To provide the highest level of care, our office features in-house physical therapy for the convenience of our patients. This allows us to often treat tennis elbow without the need for surgery.
"Highly Recommended"
David McClellan
2018
Excellent diagnosis and treatment. Both myself and my wife have used Dr. Lesley and his PA Maddie. They are excellent at listening to the problem and making a spot on diagnosis. Dr. Lesley is not quick to recommend any invasive treatment. He and Maddie attempt to solve the issue with the least stress and discomfort. The two are highly recommended.
View On Google
Jason Woodyard
2018
I don't brag on doctors. Dr. Lesley is absolutely the best I've had to deal with. He listens and explains and was above and beyond on being thorough. Absolutely an artisan with stitches! Thanks Dr. Lesley for honoring the Hippocratic Oath!
View On Google
