Tendons, or bands of fibrous tissue connecting muscle to bone, can become inflamed from repetitive stress, resulting in mild to serious pain. Tennis elbow refers to painful tendon swelling within the elbow and arm and might require elbow surgery if symptoms are severe enough. If you believe you have this common condition, learn more about it with the following guide. 

Causes

Tennis elbow typically develops over time from repetitive motions that strain forearm muscles, specifically the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle that controls wrist movements. If this muscle endures repetitive stress, it becomes weak, and its tendons can sustain tiny tears that cause inflammation and pain. Severe tendon tears can eventually cause the muscle to detach from the bone. 

Among the most common activities that strain the ECRB muscle and connecting tendons include tennis, racquetball, fencing, weight lifting, and squash. Using a computer mouse, chopping assorted foods, painting, and working with plumbing tools every day can also cause repetitive strain in arm muscles and tendons. 

Symptoms

Signs of the condition typically include tenderness and pain in your elbow’s bony knob that can radiate up and down your arm. Weakened muscles and tendons can also make it challenging to lift or grip various objects, such as boxes and mugs. Shaking hands, using tools, and opening jars might become problematic as well. 

Without treatment, tennis elbow pain will worsen, often progressing from occasional dull aches to constant burning or aching pain. Touching the elbow can also cause extreme discomfort.  

Treatments 

Tennis elbow treatments vary with the condition’s severity and can include nonsurgical remedies, like refraining from repetitive activities, wearing an elbow brace to reduce muscle and tendon strain, stretching the muscles to relieve tension, and using ice packs to numb inflamed tissue. Anti-inflammatory medications, including those injected directly into the affected area, also provide relief.

While elbow surgery for this form of tendinitis is rare, it becomes necessary if other treatments used over a six-month period have little to no effect. Surgery removes dead tissue and reconnects healthy muscle that has detached from the bone due to repetitive actions. Recovering from elbow surgery requires wearing a splint to keep the muscles and tendons immobile while they heal. 

If you believe elbow surgery is best for your tennis elbow issue, contact Dr. Edward J. Weldon, MD. The doctor serves patients of all ages at the Honolulu Straub Hospital and helps them regain mobility to live healthier lives. Call (808) 522-4232 today to make an appointment. 

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