Tennis Elbow Specialist
in Lexington, KY
What is a
Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow. It occurs when the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to your elbow become inflamed or damaged due to overuse. Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to athletes; it can affect anyone who performs repetitive motions involving the arm, elbow, and wrist. At Bluegrass Orthopaedics, our expert orthopedic team is here to help you regain elbow function and get back to a busy, happy life.
Tennis elbow commonly results from repetitive strain, often related to activities such as racquet sports, carpentry, painting, typing, or any task that involves repeated gripping or lifting. The condition explicitly affects the extensor muscles in the forearm, which are responsible for lifting and straightening the wrist and fingers. If left untreated, tennis elbow can significantly impact your ability to perform everyday tasks, leading to chronic pain and stiffness in the elbow and forearm.
What Are the Symptoms of
Tennis Elbow?
The primary symptom of tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. This pain may radiate into the forearm and wrist, mainly when performing specific movements such as gripping, lifting, or bending the arm. The pain often worsens when you attempt to grasp small objects, shake hands, or turn a doorknob.
Another common symptom of tennis elbow is weakness in the forearm, especially when trying to hold or lift objects. You may notice that once easy activities, such as lifting a cup or opening a jar, become difficult due to the reduced strength in the affected arm. Additionally, some individuals experience stiffness in the elbow, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
In more severe cases, the pain can become constant, affecting your ability to carry out routine tasks and leading to discomfort even at rest. If you are experiencing persistent pain, weakness, or difficulty using your arm, seeking medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment is essential.
What Causes
Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is typically caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the tendons that connect to the lateral epicondyle, the bony bump on the outer part of the elbow. Repeated movements such as playing tennis, painting, using hand tools, or typing can strain these tendons, resulting in small tears and inflammation.
While tennis elbow is commonly associated with sports like tennis or racquetball, it can also develop in non-athletes due to their daily activities or occupations. Carpenters, plumbers, chefs, and office workers are at a higher risk of developing tennis elbow because of the repetitive motions involved in their work.
In some cases, the exact cause of the condition is unclear, and tennis elbow may develop without a clear history of overuse. Other contributing factors, such as poor technique in sports or improper posture during work, can also lead to increased strain on the tendons.
How is Tennis Elbow Treated?
The treatment for tennis elbow varies depending on its severity. Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help. Wearing a brace and physical therapy exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles and improve flexibility are common treatments. If nonsurgical options don't work, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be recommended.
Expert Elbow Surgeons in Lexington, KY
At Bluegrass Orthopaedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating tennis elbow. Our experienced orthopedic team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Whether your condition can be managed with nonsurgical options or requires surgical intervention, we aim to help you return to your daily activities and prevent further injury.
If you are experiencing elbow pain or suspect you have tennis elbow, don't wait to seek treatment. Contact Bluegrass Orthopaedics today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
Meet Our
Elbow & Shoulder Team
Expert Shoulder Care with
Bluegrass Orthopaedics
Whether you're dealing with a rotator cuff injury, shoulder replacement, fracture repair, or instability, our fellowship-trained surgeons are equipped to offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. From children to seniors, we cater to patients of all ages, ensuring everyone receives the highest standard of care. Take the first step towards recovery by scheduling a consultation with our shoulder surgery specialists at Bluegrass Orthopaedics in Lexington, KY. Your comeback story starts here.
Serving
Near You
Comeback Champion:
Sydney Parker
BGO's Champion patient comes from London, KY - Ms. Sydney Parker. Sydney is an animal lover, and was injured after a fall from her horse in October of 2018. She fractured and dislocated her elbow, which unfortunately led to surgery in October of 2018 - a complicated procedure that required an open reduction internal fixation as well as an ulnar nerve decompression and transposition. Sydney had fractured her trochlea, lateral condyle of her elbow, as well as her olecranon.
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