Dr. Joseph is known throughout the mountain community for diagnosing and treating tendinitis in the upper extremities. A common form of elbow tendinitis Dr. Joseph sees in his Edwards, Vail, and Frisco, Colorado clinics is tennis elbow.

 

What Is Tennis Elbow?

 

More formally known as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is an overuse injury seen in active populations. When a person repeats a motion often enough, the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow can inflame and (sometimes) tear. 

 

Who Gets This Type of Elbow Tenonitis?

 

Tennis elbow is typically seen in the following populations:

 

• Raquet sport athletes

• Baseball players

• Weight lifters

• Painters

• Carpenters

• Plumbers

 

People who experience elbow tendon issues are usually adults between 30 and 50 years old. 

 

What Are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?

 

Like other forms of tendinitis, tennis elbow symptoms began gradually and then worsen. Dr. Joseph's tennis elbow patients commonly report the following symptoms:

 

• Pain 

• A burning sensation

• Weakened grip

• Difficulty raising a hand or straightening the wrist

 

Pain and burning symptoms associated with this form of elbow tendonitis begin in the outside area of the elbow and then radiate down to the forearm and wrist.

 

How Do You Treat Elbow Tennis?

 

If diagnosed early enough, Dr. Joseph is often able to treat his elbow tendonitis patients conservatively. Nonsurgical treatments for tennis elbow include:

 

• Bracing

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Physical therapy

• Steroid injections

• Stem cell therapies, such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

 

If the elbow tendonitis has progressed to the point where conservative methods have no impact, Dr. Joseph will recommend surgical treatment to remove the damaged muscle. All surgical recommendations are discussed with the patient, taking their lifestyle into consideration. 

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For more information on tendonitis and treatment methods, click here.

 

Treating Elbow Pain in the Vail Valley and Summit County

 

If pain in the outside of the elbow is impacting your life, contact Dr. Joseph and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery today!