Tennis Elbow
If you are suffering from pain and/or weakness in your elbow area you may have tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis.
Depending on the severity of your condition, our Austin, TX, doctors may recommend a custom physical therapy plan or a surgical procedure.
Texas patients trust the Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin because our fellowship-trained specialists are true experts.
Major Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Repetitive motions stress your muscles and tendons. This can cause pain that extends from your outer elbow through the forearm and wrist.
The primary symptom of tennis elbow is radiating pain from the elbow. You may also experience burning in the elbow, aches, and weakened grip strength. You may find routine activities such as turning a doorknob or holding a cup of coffee difficult. Left untreated, lateral epicondylitis pain may spread to your forearm and wrist.
We Offer Many Treatment Options
Depending on your symptoms and the cause of your tennis elbow, we can recommend a variety of non-surgical treatments. Some common treatment options include:
Changing habits and equipment to reduce strain
Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and tendons
Wearing a brace to reduce pressure on the tendons
Medications to relieve pain and inflammation
Some Patients
May Need Surgery
/
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons estimates that roughly 80-95% of lateral epicondylitis patients can be successfully treated non-surgically. We try to help our patients with conservative treatments whenever possible. However, if your elbow pain persists after non-surgical approaches have been tried, we may recommend elbow surgery.
Meet Our Elbow Expert
Dr. Harrison Kay
Austin, TX, patients come to us because we provide true specialization. Our team includes hand, wrist, and elbow expert Dr. Harrison Kay. Dr. Kay's impressive education includes degrees from Stanford University and the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
Dr. Kay completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Southern California and a hand and microsurgery fellowship at Washington University. Dr. Kay has published work in multiple respected medical journals such as the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery and the Journal of Hand Surgery.
Receive an Elbow Examination From True Orthopedic Experts
Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin has been helping patients live pain-free since 2004. If you are suffering from pain inside or outside of the elbow, you should talk to our highly experienced team. Our specialists have the knowledge and experience to evaluate your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and offer effective treatment. Whether you have lateral epicondylitis or another hand, wrist, or elbow condition, we can provide care to get you moving without pain again.
Our practice has three locations in Travis County, in Austin, Cedar Park, and Lakeway. You can make an appointment at whichever office is most convenient for you.
Austin Trusts Its Muscles & Tendons to Us
Grant Sisemore
2023
Doctor Kay and the whole staff at Orthopedic Specialists of Austin were all extremely professional, compassionate, and caring. Our son is healed up and back on the court. Highly recommend the doctor and the practice!
View on GoogleDBK
2023
I have had over a dozen sports surgeries but no doctor has come close to being as knowledgeable, responsive and kind as Dr Seade. He has completed two shoulder surgeries for me and they have been such an amazing success. The entire team from his PA to the medical assistant and the front office are amazing.
View on GoogleWe Work With Insurance
Patients who are suffering from elbow pain may be tempted to avoid diagnosing and treating lateral epicondylitis because they do not want to deal with high medical bills. Thankfully, if orthopedic surgery is needed it is typically covered by insurance. Our team works with many insurance providers and is happy to help you navigate coverage issues.
Tennis Elbow Surgery & Recovery
Procedure Basics
Our experienced surgeons can restore your mobility and relieve pain inside and outside of the elbow and in the wrist and forearms. This arthroscopic surgery procedure is generally done on an outpatient basis, meaning you'll return home on the same day as surgery.
After we administer anesthesia, your surgeon will create a small incision and insert a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light for greater visibility of the tendons. Depending on your individual condition, your surgery may involve cutting the affected tendon, the removal of damaged tissues, or the repair of torn tendons.
Recovery Info
You should expect full recovery to take anywhere from three to six months. That being said, recovery times vary significantly from patient to patient. Your commitment to physical therapy can have a great impact on how quickly you recover.
Even after you have recovered, you may need to avoid the activity that caused your tennis elbow. If the activity is necessary, such as a daily work task, you may need to adjust your movements to prevent complications from overuse. Surgery is successful in as high as 90% of patients; however, some loss of elbow strength may be unavoidable.
More Great Reviews From Austin, TX
Lynn Hill
2023
I see 4 doctors at Orthopaedic Specialist of Austin. They are all very thorough in providing me with medical help. They are conversive and explain service they are providing. In addition, they are cordial, friendly, and easy to talk with about what is needed to resolve your health issue. I trust these doctors and highly recommend them. My wife is also a patient at this practice.
View on GoogleDennis Loy
2023
I have been seeing Dr. Catlett at Orthopedic Specialist of Austin and he goes the extra mile, calls me at home just to check on my progress. Excellent service from from member of the staff.
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