Tennis Elbow

The condition of Lateral Epicondylitis, more popularly known as 'Tennis Elbow' (or Shooter's elbow, Archer's elbow), describes a sore and tender elbow deriving from overuse. It is generally attributed to tennis players; however, this injury can happen to just about anyone.

The pain will appear in the location where the tendons of the arm muscles connect to the osteophyteOsteophytes, a type of bone spur, are bony projections that form along joints (Source: Wikipedia). in the external part of the elbow. Often the pain can spread to the arm and to the patient's hand.

Most patients suffering from 'tennis elbow' will heal by themselves. The best way to enable the healing process is to rest the elbow and eliminate the most aggravating activities and if needed, to take over the counter pain killers, but there is no need to avoid elbow usage completely. In rare cases only, will the tennis elbow not go away and surgery will be required to help the elbow heal properly.

Tennis Elbow Video

Tennis Elbow Symptoms

Tennis elbow is more common with adults between the ages of 30-50, but can basically appear in every person who stretches their wrist repeatedly. The symptoms that indicate a patient has tennis elbow are shared by other diseases in the arm; so they do not necessarily indicate the patient has tennis elbow. These symptoms can include:

• Weakness in the arm
• A pain originating in the outer part of the elbow
• It hurts to stretch the wrist
• A pain that gets worse and intensifies with time
• Inability to hold certain objects

It should be mentioned that pain in the inner part of the elbow is known as 'Golfer's Elbow'.

Tennis Elbow Surgery

When your physician has reached the decision after all traditional treatments have failed, that surgery is unavoidable, the operation can include these three surgical options:

• Trimming abnormal tendons
• Removing Inflamed tissue from the bone
• Repairing tendon tears (if possible)

This procedure is usually done in an 'outpatient surgery' method, where the patients will come to have the procedure done and leave the clinic or medical center on the same day, no hospitalization required.

The procedure can be done both 'arthroscopically' (with the use of a tiny camera inserted thus preventing an incision) or by the traditional open surgery method. This depends on the specific type of diagnosis and problem and on the method the doctor prefers to use.

Recovery from tennis elbow surgery varies from patient to patient. Most will be able to return to daily activity within 3 - 6 weeks, while sporting activities will be prohibited for a period closer to 12 weeks or more.

Tennis Elbow Surgery Abroad

Once it is decided you need surgery for your tennis elbow condition, it is important to have this delicate surgery done at a top orthopedic surgeon. TicketMed works with the top orthopedic clinics, doctors and surgeons around the globe. Contact TicketMed in order to receive a consultation and more information about surgery abroad or simply ask for a quote.