Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) Treatment in Louisiana
Lateral epicondylitis, commonly called tennis elbow, is inflammation of the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the elbow. Pain is felt mainly at the lateral epicondyle, the bony bump on the outer side of the elbow. LA Pain Doctor treats tennis elbow for patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Request an AppointmentWhat Causes Tennis Elbow?
Despite its name, most people with tennis elbow do not play tennis. The condition develops when repeated gripping and wrist motions overload the forearm tendons, causing tiny tears and inflammation where they attach to the elbow. Common causes include:
- Racquet sports and golf
- Painting, carpentry, plumbing, and other trade work
- Repetitive computer mouse use or typing
- Gardening, cooking, and lifting with the palm facing down
- Using hand tools such as screwdrivers or wrenches
Symptoms
Tennis elbow typically causes pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow that may spread down the forearm. Pain often worsens when shaking hands, gripping objects, turning a doorknob, lifting a coffee cup, or extending the wrist. Some patients also notice a weak grip.
Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Many cases improve with rest from aggravating activities, ice, a forearm brace, and stretching and strengthening exercises. When pain lingers, targeted treatments can help. A steroid injection, one of our joint injections, can calm inflammation around the tendon. For chronic tennis elbow, prolotherapy may help stimulate the body’s natural healing of the damaged tendon. Tight forearm muscles may also respond to trigger point injections.
Elbow and forearm pain can sometimes come from a pinched nerve in the neck, called Cervical Radiculopathy, so your provider will make sure you get the correct diagnosis. Learn about the similar condition on the inner elbow, golfer’s elbow, and explore our shoulder and arm pain treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennis Elbow Treatment
What does tennis elbow feel like?
It causes pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow that may spread down the forearm and worsen with gripping or lifting.
Can I get tennis elbow without playing tennis?
Yes. Most cases come from repetitive work, hobbies, or daily activities that strain the forearm tendons.
How long does tennis elbow take to heal?
Many cases improve within a few months with rest and therapy, but chronic cases may last longer without treatment.
Do steroid injections help tennis elbow?
Yes. A steroid injection can reduce inflammation and pain, especially when combined with therapy.
Can prolotherapy help tennis elbow?
Prolotherapy may help chronic tennis elbow by encouraging repair of the damaged tendon.
Does a brace help tennis elbow?
A forearm strap or brace can reduce strain on the tendon and ease pain during activity.
Where can I get tennis elbow treatment?
LA Pain Doctor treats tennis elbow at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule.
Get a Grip on Elbow Pain
Relief from tennis elbow is closer than you think. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.