a man holding a tennis racket

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.


a person holding a tennis racket

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.

WE CAN HELP
TRUST THE BEST

Excellent Physician. Dr. Donegan has a great personality and treats his patients with kindness and respect. He listened to my concerns and answered my questions.

Anonymous

I went to Dr. Hunt after a work injury and work comp doctors told me nothing was wrong. He found a herniated disc and recommended surgery which I had four months later. That was four years ago and I have no problems with my back today.... I went to Dr. Hunt after a work injury and work comp doctors told me nothing was wrong. He found a herniated disc and recommended surgery which I had four months later. That was four years ago and I have no problems with my back today. He was a wonderful and caring doctor that took time with me and my husband to explain everything. I would recommend him to anyone.

Anonymous

Excellent doctor takes time to explain your options and what to expect after surgery.

Anonymous

Have had great success so far with rotator cuff surgery. Doctor Huff has been great to work with and explain any questions I have had.

Wendell Hale

Very thorough-explained course of treatment and what I should expect.

Anonymous

The office staff were ready for me as soon as I walked through the door. After I filled out some information, it was a couple of moments and I was told that he was ready to see me. I had to take an elevator to one floor up. As the doors... The office staff were ready for me as soon as I walked through the door. After I filled out some information, it was a couple of moments and I was told that he was ready to see me. I had to take an elevator to one floor up. As the doors opened, there stood a nurse to take me to a room. Dr. Donegan came in within a few mins. He was very nice, listened to me and looked me in the eye while I talked also, when he spoke. Dr. Donegan is wonderful along with his staff. Dr. Donegan is a FIVE Star!!

Anonymous

I was very pleased with my visit both times. They explained to me about my injury.

Elizabeth Dunn

Dr. Ellingsen is thoughtful and amiable. Pays close attention and respect to patients.

Anonymous

I have already had an opportunity to recommend him to a family member. I have put my trust in him.

Carol Luttrell

95% of the time, Dr. Harrod is on time. On a couple of occassions I actually didn't have to wait at all! He is professional, courteous and knowledgeable.

Anonymous

Excellent physician

Paul Harries

Great doctor. Makes you feel comfortable and confident going into surgery.

Anonymous

Excellent Doctor & team

Anonymous

Really great Doctor. Very friendly.

Anonymous

Dr. Favetto is very professional, yet very down to earth. He was very thorough in explaining everything about my hand problems. Surgery went very smoothly. One of the best doctors I have ever been to

Anonymous

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.

a man in a white shirt

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.

a woman wearing a hat