Pain on the outside of your elbow could be a sign of tennis elbow, a common condition that affects more than just tennis players. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our team of board-certified orthopaedic specialists in San Francisco is dedicated to diagnosing and treating tennis elbow, helping you get back to the activities you love, pain-free.
Overview: What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, known in the medical community as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. It’s an overuse injury that occurs when the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow (the lateral epicondyle) become inflamed and develop tiny tears.
Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players. In fact, it’s more common in people who have jobs or hobbies that involve repetitive arm and wrist movements. Plumbers, painters, carpenters, and even people who use a computer mouse for long periods are at a higher risk of developing this condition.
If you’re experiencing elbow pain, it’s important to seek a diagnosis from an experienced orthopaedic specialist. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we offer a range of advanced treatments for tennis elbow, from conservative therapies to minimally invasive procedures, all tailored to your individual needs. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of care to patients throughout the Bay Area, helping them return to their active lifestyles as quickly and safely as possible.
Common Symptoms and Causes
The symptoms of tennis elbow often develop gradually, starting as a mild ache that slowly worsens over weeks or months. The most common signs and symptoms include:
- Pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow: This is the hallmark symptom of tennis elbow. The pain may radiate down your forearm and even into your wrist.
- Weak grip strength: You may find it difficult to shake hands, turn a doorknob, or hold a coffee cup.
- Pain that worsens with activity: The pain may be more noticeable when you perform activities that involve gripping or lifting objects, such as lifting a gallon of milk or using a screwdriver.
- Morning stiffness: Your elbow may feel stiff and achy in the morning.
So, what causes tennis elbow? As mentioned, it’s primarily an overuse injury. The repetitive motions of certain activities put too much strain on the forearm muscles and tendons, leading to inflammation and micro-tears. The muscle most commonly affected is the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), which helps extend and stabilize the wrist.
Common activities that can cause tennis elbow include:
- Racquet sports: Tennis, racquetball, and squash, especially with improper technique or equipment.
- Repetitive occupational tasks: Plumbing, painting, carpentry, bricklaying, and other jobs that require repetitive use of the forearm muscles.
- Hobbies: Playing a musical instrument, gardening, knitting, and other activities that involve repetitive hand and wrist movements.
- Computer use: Extensive use of a computer mouse and keyboard can also contribute to the development of tennis elbow.
At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our specialists will conduct a thorough physical examination and discuss your symptoms and medical history to determine the cause of your elbow pain. In some cases, we may recommend imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis.
Common Risk Factors
While anyone can develop tennis elbow, certain factors can increase your risk. These include:
- Age: Tennis elbow is most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.
- Occupation: As mentioned, jobs that involve repetitive arm and wrist motions can increase your risk.
- Certain sports: Playing racquet sports or other sports that involve repetitive arm movements can put you at a higher risk.
- Improper technique: Using improper form during sports or other activities can put unnecessary stress on your elbow tendons.
- Smoking: Smoking can reduce blood flow to the tendons, making them more susceptible to injury.
- Obesity: Being overweight can put extra strain on your joints, including your elbows.
If you have any of these risk factors and are experiencing elbow pain, it’s important to see a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from becoming a chronic problem.
Treatment Options at California Pacific Orthopaedics
At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we believe in a patient-centered approach to treatment. We will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.
For most patients, conservative treatments are effective in relieving the symptoms of tennis elbow. These may include:
- Rest and activity modification: The first step in treating tennis elbow is to rest your arm and avoid the activities that cause your pain.
- Ice: Applying ice to your elbow for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Bracing: Wearing a counterforce brace on your forearm can help reduce the strain on your elbow tendons.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises to stretch and strengthen your forearm muscles, which can help reduce pain and prevent the injury from recurring.
In some cases, conservative treatments may not be enough to relieve the symptoms of tennis elbow. In these situations, our specialists may recommend more advanced treatments, such as:
- Corticosteroid injections: Injecting a corticosteroid medication into the affected tendon can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: This innovative treatment involves injecting a concentration of your own platelets into the injured tendon to promote healing.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged tendon. Our surgeons are skilled in the latest minimally invasive techniques, which can help reduce pain and speed up recovery.
If you are experiencing elbow pain, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact California Pacific Orthopaedics today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced orthopaedic specialists. We have several convenient locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area to serve you. Let us help you get back in motion and back to the life you love.
