Person clutching elbow in pain

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

Dr. Kay

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. 

office interior

Austin Trusts Its Muscles & Tendons to Us

1

Grant Sisemore

2023

Google logo

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 Google
1

DBK

2023

Google logo

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 Google

We 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

1

Lynn Hill

2023

Google logo

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 Google
1

Dennis Loy

2023

Google logo

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.

View on Google
Our team

Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin

At Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, we have a team of board-certified specialists who can treat a wide range of conditions. Our specialists use the most advanced techniques to provide minimally invasive treatment options.

For more information about our services, contact our office online or call (512) 476-2830 today.

Contact Us Today

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite
Google map image of our location in 4611 Guadalupe St Ste 200 Austin, TX

Austin Office

4611 Guadalupe St
Ste 200
Austin, TX 78751

Open Today 8:00am - 5:00pm

Google map image of our location in 715 Discovery Blvd Ste 102 Cedar Park, TX

Cedar Park Office

715 Discovery Blvd
Ste 102
Cedar Park, TX 78613

Open Today 8:00am - 5:00pm

Google map image of our location in 5329 Serene Hills Dr Ste 202 Austin, TX

Lakeway Office

5329 Serene Hills Dr
Ste 202
Austin, TX 78738

Open Today 8:00am - 5:00pm

(512) 476-2830 Send a message