Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) Treatment
Tennis elbow treatment focuses on relieving pain, reducing stiffness, and restoring strength and range of motion so you can return to your daily activities. At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, care begins with a conservative, non-surgical approach whenever possible. The majority of patients are successfully treated without surgery.
The board-certified, fellowship-trained elbow specialists at Hoag Orthopedic Institute provide personalized treatments tailored to your symptoms, activity level, and goals. With advanced treatment options and a patient-centered approach, our team helps you heal and get back to the activities that matter most to you.
What are Tennis Elbow Treatments?
Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, typically develops gradually in response to overuse of the forearm tendons. Tennis elbow treatment begins by reducing irritation of the tendon and by relieving pain and inflammation. Lateral epicondylitis treatment also promotes tendon healing while rebuilding strength and function.
For most patients, this painful elbow condition improves with non-surgical treatment. If symptoms persist despite appropriate care, further treatment options, including tennis elbow surgery, may be considered.
Non-Surgical Tennis Elbow Treatment Options
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, we provide personalized tennis elbow treatment to meet your specific needs.
Our non-surgical treatments for tennis elbow pain include:
- Rest and temporary activity modification to avoid aggravating the elbow
- Icethe elbow
- Heat applied locally following acute stage
- Over-the-counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for pain and swelling
- Compression wrap
- Physical therapy to improve flexibility, rebuild strength, and gradually restore function
- Bracing or splinting to reduce strain on the tendon
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce pain
Physical therapy is a key component of our tennis elbow treatment options and is essential to restoring strength, function, and long-term recovery.
What is Tennis Elbow Surgery?
In severe cases or when symptoms do not improve after 6 to 12 months of non-surgical therapy, surgical intervention may be required. The decision to pursue tennis elbow surgery is individualized and based on the severity of symptoms, response to conservative care, and the impact of elbow pain on quality of life. Your elbow specialist will help determine the best course of treatment for you.
The goal of tennis elbow surgery is to remove unhealthy tendon tissue and create conditions that allow the tendon to heal. Surgical tennis elbow treatment involves removing a small portion of the damaged tendon and then reattaching the healthy portion to the bone. Depending on the surgical approach, this may involve releasing part of the tendon, repairing it, or stimulating healing at the attachment site. This is typically done as elbow arthroscopy except for more complex or severe cases.
Arthroscopic elbow surgery is less invasive, with just two small incisions made on the medial (inner) and lateral (outer) side of the elbow. This approach leaves minimal scarring and enables faster healing.
What Happens if Tennis Elbow Goes Untreated?
Left untreated, tennis elbow pain and weakness will persist and continue
to interfere with daily activities, work, or sports. Ongoing strain on
the tendon can slow healing and make symptoms harder to resolve over time.
In some cases, this type of
tendonitis can become a chronic condition, requiring a longer course of treatment
to restore strength and function.
Early intervention and appropriate tennis elbow treatment can help prevent
prolonged discomfort and support a smoother recovery.
Why Choose Hoag Orthopedic Institute for Tennis Elbow Treatment
Hoag Orthopedic Institute offers comprehensive lateral epicondylitis treatment, including highly effective non-surgical options and advanced surgical solutions when needed. Your orthopedic team tailors your treatment plans to your symptoms, activity level, and recovery goals, with an emphasis on restoring your strength, function, and confidence in everyday movement.
With specialized elbow care, advanced diagnostic tools, and a coordinated rehabilitation approach, we offer tennis elbow treatment that helps get you back on the court.