Elbow Tendonitis Experts in san antonio
What is Elbow Tendonitis?
Elbow Tendonitis, also known as tennis elbow and golfer's elbow, is an inflammation or degeneration of the elbow tendon. Tennis elbow affects the outer elbow tendons, while golfer's elbow affects the inner elbow tendons. Overusing the forearm muscles repetitively can cause strains and microtears in the tendons, causing this condition.
common treatment options for Elbow Tendonitis include:
Pain Medication Options: Pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. More severe cases may require prescription drugs.
Ice & Heat Therapy: Ice & heat therapy reduce swelling and relieve discomfort. Ice can help reduce inflammation and pain by applying it to the affected area several times a day for 15-20 minutes.
Corticosteroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections may be recommended by a healthcare provider to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. When conservative treatments have failed, these injections are usually used.
RICE Therapy: Standing for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, this therapy provides relief by reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Rest: Rest the affected tendon and avoid activities that exacerbate the pain.
Physical Therapy: In addition to restoring muscle and tendon strength and flexibility, physical therapy can also improve range of motion and mobility.
Bracing/ Splinting: Immobilizing the elbow with a brace or splint can reduce strain on the injured tendon and promote healing. To ensure proper fit and usage, such devices should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Surgery: Surgery is typically considered only after other treatments have failed. It may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or repair the tendon during surgery. Arthroscopic and Open Surgery are two common surgical methods for treating Elbow Tendonitis.
What are common symptoms of Elbow Tendonitis?
Common symptoms of Elbow Tendonitis includes:
Tenderness: Tenderness may be felt around the elbow region/ affected area.
Pain: The most common symptom is pain, typically felt on the outside of the elbow. There may also be pain radiating down the forearm.
Weakness: The forearm may become weak, making it difficult to grip or lift objects.
Swelling: There is some possibility of swelling around the elbow joint, but it occurs less often than the other symptoms.
Stiffness: Often, elbow joints are stiff after rest or in the morning.
Difficulty with Activities: Having pain or weakness may hamper daily activities such as shaking hands, turning doorknobs, or lifting objects.
Pain with Movement: Forearm and wrist pain is often aggravated by gripping, lifting, and twisting movements.
There is a wide range of severity of these symptoms, from mild discomfort to significant pain that affects daily functioning. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms, especially persistent pain or difficulty performing everyday tasks involving the elbow.
It is essential to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment of Elbow Tendonitis. When conservative treatments fail, Elbow Tendonitis surgery may be the right pain management for you.
why come to The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio for Elbow Tendonitis?
When you visit us at The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio, you will find a fine-tuned team ready to take care of you. Your physicians have over 100 years of collective experience and represent multiple generations and training backgrounds. In addition to your surgeons, you may meet one of our hand surgery fellows. Each fellow is a fully trained orthopaedic or plastic surgeon who has completed 5 to 7 years of surgical training after graduation from medical school and has chosen to spend an additional year in training to study hand surgery. In addition to the physicians, you will meet various staff members. From the front desk staff and Medical Assistants (MA’s) to the x-ray and cast technicians, each is committed to taking care of you.
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Elbow Related Issues we can help with
Elbow Pain
Elbow Fractures
Elbow Dislocations
Elbow Stiffness
Heterotopic Ossification
check out our latest blog posts regarding Elbow injuries
Did you know we offer in-house therapy?
Hand therapy is a merging of occupational and physical therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with function and activity. Using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations.