Tennis elbow is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation within the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. It is the result of repetitive motions of the arm, wrist and hand, which is why it happens to those who play racket-based sports like tennis. It can also happen to those with jobs that require repetitive motions, such as carpenters, plumbers and chefs.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
- Pain when bending or lifting the arm
- Pain or a “burning” sensation on the outside of the elbow
- Difficulty straightening the arm
- Pain that radiates between the arm and the wrist
- A loss of grip or arm strength
Treating Tennis Elbow
There are several ways to treat tennis elbow, one of which is to discontinue the activity that is causing the pain. Additional treatments include:
- Strengthening exercises
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Resting and icing the elbow
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
In severe cases, surgery may be recommended, such as open tendon repair, arthroscopic repair or tendon reconstruction.
While surgery to treat tennis elbow is generally effective, it requires extensive physical therapy. You will also need to refrain from sports and other elbow-intensive activities for 4-6 months. The surgery itself can cause damage to the surrounding muscles, cartilage and bone.
A newer and less invasive option, called transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE), is a safe and effective procedure to treat tennis elbow that doesn’t require surgery or limiting your activities.
Like with other musculoskeletal conditions, a hallmark of tennis elbow is the development of abnormal, fragile blood vessels within and surrounding the joint. These blood vessels are targeted with the TAE procedure to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.