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Pain on the outside of your elbow that flares when you grip, lift, or twist is the classic sign of tennis elbow, and you don’t have to play tennis to develop it. Gregory Foremny, MD, at IVO Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, diagnoses and treats tennis elbow using image-guided techniques that target the damaged tendon directly. Call IVO Miami and schedule an appointment to learn more.
Tennis Elbow Q & A
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow, known medically as lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury affecting the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow. Repeated gripping and wrist motion put strain on those tendons, leading to tiny tears, irritation, and pain.
Over time, the tendon struggles to repair itself as quickly as the damage accumulates, which is why the discomfort can stick around for months rather than fading after a few days of rest.
Despite the name, most people who develop tennis elbow never pick up a racket. Painters, plumbers, cooks, office workers, and anyone who repeats the same arm motion can end up with it. The injury usually shows up between the ages of 30 and 50, and it often appears in the dominant arm because that’s the one doing the most repetitive work.
What does tennis elbow feel like?
Tennis elbow tends to build gradually rather than appear all at once. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or burning in the outer elbow
- A weak grip, especially when shaking hands or holding a cup
- Discomfort that worsens with lifting, twisting, or gripping
- Tenderness when you press on the outside of the elbow
- Pain that radiates down into the forearm
Left alone, tennis elbow can drag on for months, which is why an early evaluation tends to pay off.
How does my doctor diagnose tennis elbow?
In addition to your symptoms and a physical examination, Dr. Foremny uses diagnostic ultrasound or MRI to look directly at the affected tendon. The imaging shows him how much tissue damage exists, whether the tendon has thickened or developed tears, and helps him rule out other causes of elbow pain, like a pinched nerve or arthritis.
What treatments resolve tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow can improve with rest and physical therapy. When symptoms persist, interventional procedures may help support recovery.
If conservative care has not relieved your symptoms, Dr. Foremny may recommend ultrasound-guided procedures. After evaluating your elbow and confirming a tennis elbow diagnosis, he'll determine which option is right for you.
The following procedures can treat tennis elbow at IVO Miami:
Percutaneous tenotomy
Percutaneous tenotomy is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that removes damaged tissue from targeted tendons to support healing. Dr. Foremny received subspecialized training with the Tenex percutaneous tenotomy device during his fellowship.
Orthobiologics
Orthobiologics such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contain concentrated growth factors that can help support the healing process. In PRP, these growth factors come from your own blood, concentrated from a small sample to deliver them directly to the injured area.
Corticosteroid injections
Image-guided steroid injections deliver corticosteroids to the area around the affected tendon, rather than into the tendon itself. By reducing inflammation in the surrounding tissue, they can help relieve pain and ease symptoms in the short term. Because corticosteroids can weaken tendon tissue and lead to further tendon tearing, Dr. Foremny uses them selectively and can discuss whether they're appropriate for you during your consultation.
Call IVO Miami or schedule online today to learn more about tennis elbow treatments.
Get started by calling IVO Miami to schedule your consultation.