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Not just for tennis players
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
If you have pain on the outside of your elbow, close to where the muscle joins the bones of your elbow – or if you’ve noticed decreased grip strength when trying to pick something up – you’re likely suffering from tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). Even though it’s called “tennis elbow,” most people who suffer from it aren’t tennis players.
Schedule An Appointment!
Dr. Abeyewardene
OSSO South
10001 S. Western, Suite 101
Oklahoma City, OK 73139
Common Tennis Elbow Signs, Symptoms and Complaints
Tennis elbow has several telltale signs. Here are some common symptoms and complaints you might notice:
- Pain over the outside of your elbow with gripping or wrist extension
- Dull throbbing pain
- Pain radiating from your elbow to your wrist
- Decreased grip strength
What is Tennis Elbow?
Overuse of the muscles and tendons in your forearm and elbow can cause inflammation and pain where those tendons attach to your elbow joint. It can be caused by many different stressors and strains, like driving screws, using plumbing tools, using a knife for food preparation, using a computer mouse, painting or – like its namesake suggests – a tennis backhand with poor form.
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How Dr. Abeye Treats Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow is Highly Treatable
At Dr. Abeye’s clinic, we always begin with the most conservative, non-surgical approaches, increasing intervention levels as necessary to achieve relief from pain, increased strength and range of motion.
Non-Operative Tennis Elbow Intervention: Physical Therapy & Bracing
Physical therapy is the mainstay of tennis elbow treatment. It will help you to learn stretches and exercises to strengthen the muscles in your arm, massage hard knots in your tendons and stimulate healing of the damaged tendon.
Non-Surgical Tennis Elbow Intervention: Injections
Though physical therapy is the mainstay of treatment, occasionally a steroid injection can be helpful in reducing inflammation of the tendon and stimulating a healing response.
Surgical Tennis Elbow Treatment
Surgery is rarely required for tennis elbow. When surgery is indicated, the diseased part of the tendon is removed, and the tendon is repaired.
What to Expect
When you schedule an appointment with Dr. Abeye to investigate possible tennis elbow in our Oklahoma City clinic, you can expect a thorough examination of your elbow, imaging (if necessary), a conversation about your symptoms and education about what is likely happening. You’ll receive a diagnosis, plan of action and any necessary braces or medications.
If you’re ready for relief, give us a call to schedule your appointment.
Are Your Symptoms Different?
If your symptoms differ from those discussed above, you may be suffering from a different disorder. Here are some other common conditions that may be a better match.
Golfer’s Elbow
Pain on the inside of the elbow, stiffness and weakness of your hand and wrist.
Elbow Tendon and Ligament Injuries
Upper forearm swelling, bruising and stiffness; inability to straighten your elbow.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Hand and finger numbness made worse by driving, holding a phone or reading.
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Hand, Wrist & Elbow Specialist
Hand, Wrist & Elbow Orthopedic Expertise
About Our Office
Dr. Abeye is an experienced orthopedic hand surgeon, dedicated to – and fascinated by – the intricacies of the fingers, hands, wrists and elbows.
Patient Info
Find information about splint and cast care, pain management and more on our patient resource page.
Reach Out
Our office staff is here to help with whatever you need. Please don’t hesitate to call with your questions, concerns, or just to schedule your next appointment!