Elbow
Tennis Elbow Treatment in Southwest Ohio
Expert Tennis Elbow Specialists in Southwest Ohio
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury that causes pain on the outside of the elbow. Although the condition is often associated with tennis players, it can affect anyone who performs repetitive gripping, lifting, or twisting motions, including office workers, construction workers, mechanics, and golfers.
At Orthopedic Associates, our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons provide expert diagnosis and treatment for tennis elbow. Whether your symptoms are recent or have persisted despite conservative care, our team offers personalized treatment plans designed to relieve pain, restore strength, and help you return to work, sports, and daily activities.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow become irritated or develop small tears due to repetitive stress. Over time, these tiny injuries can cause inflammation, pain, and weakness in the forearm and elbow.
Common symptoms of tennis elbow include:
- Pain on the outside of the elbow
- Tenderness around the bony prominence of the elbow
- Pain when gripping, lifting, or twisting objects
- Weak grip strength
- Discomfort that worsens with repetitive arm movements
Without appropriate treatment, symptoms may gradually worsen and interfere with both work and recreational activities.
Tennis Elbow Treatment Options
Most cases of tennis elbow improve without surgery. Our orthopedic specialists begin with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the severity of your condition and develop an individualized treatment plan.
Conservative treatment options may include:
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Bracing or counterforce straps
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid or other guided injections
These non-surgical treatments often reduce pain, improve tendon healing, and restore normal elbow function.
When Is Tennis Elbow Surgery Recommended?
If elbow pain continues despite several months of conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended. Patients with persistent pain, significant tendon damage, or ongoing weakness that limits daily activities may benefit from tennis elbow surgery.
Our orthopedic elbow surgeons utilize advanced surgical techniques to remove damaged tissue, promote tendon healing, and restore elbow function while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Every surgical plan is customized to the patient’s condition, activity level, and recovery goals.
Recovery After Tennis Elbow Treatment
Recovery depends on the severity of the condition and whether surgical treatment is required. Many patients experience gradual improvement with physical therapy and non-operative care over several weeks or months.
Patients who undergo surgery typically participate in a structured rehabilitation program designed to restore flexibility, strength, and function while reducing the risk of future injury. Our orthopedic team works closely with physical therapists to support recovery and help patients safely return to work, sports, and everyday activities.
Schedule a Consultation at Orthopedic Associates in Southwest Ohio
If elbow pain, weakness, or limited mobility is affecting your daily life, Orthopedic Associates offers experienced, specialized care throughout Southwest Ohio. Our orthopedic elbow surgeons are committed to helping patients restore movement and return to the activities they enjoy. To schedule a consultation, call 800.824.9861 and speak with our scheduling team.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennis Elbow
What causes tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow is most commonly caused by repetitive use of the forearm muscles and tendons. Activities involving gripping, lifting, typing, painting, using hand tools, or playing racquet sports can all contribute to tendon irritation and small tears.
Does tennis elbow go away on its own?
Some mild cases improve with rest and activity modification. However, persistent elbow pain should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist to prevent the condition from becoming chronic and more difficult to treat.
Do I need surgery for tennis elbow?
Most patients improve with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, bracing, medications, and injections. Surgery is generally reserved for patients whose symptoms continue despite several months of conservative treatment.
How long does it take to recover from tennis elbow?
Recovery varies depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment method. Non-surgical recovery may take several weeks to several months. Following surgery, patients often continue rehabilitation for several months before returning to unrestricted activities.
Why choose Orthopedic Associates for tennis elbow treatment?
Orthopedic Associates provides comprehensive elbow care through fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, advanced diagnostic imaging, individualized treatment plans, and coordinated rehabilitation. Our goal is to relieve pain, restore elbow function, and help every patient return to the activities they enjoy with confidence.
