Do you suffer from pain after playing tennis or a round of golf? If so, you might be a candidate for our golf & tennis elbow treatments in Dallas, TX.
Dr. Pedro Loredo at the Loredo Hand Care Institute serves the Dallas and Fort Worth, TX area. Call now for more information on Dallas golf and tennis elbow treatment.
Dr. Pedro Loredo, performing elbow surgery for Tennis Elbow.
What is Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow?
Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and Golfer’s Elbow (medial epicondylitis) are painful conditions resulting from overuse and/or repetitive flexing of the muscles in the forearm. The repetitive motions and overuse of the forearm muscles can lead to irritation, inflammation and tearing of the tendons which join the muscles to the elbow joint. Anyone can be affected by these conditions, not only avid racquet sport and golf players as the names might suggest (although these groups are commonly affected).
What Are the Symptoms of Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow?
Symptoms of Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow include the following:
- Pain in the outer portion of the elbow and/or forearm
- Swelling in the outer portion elbow and/or forearm
- Weak grip strength
Are you having elbow pain? You could be suffering from Tennis Elbow or Golfers Elbow. Dr. Pedro Loredo can help you with minimally invasive techniques. Contact us, so we can help you. www.loredohands.com (972)939-4974
Dr. Loredo’s Approach to Treating Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Depending on the severity of the condition, Dr. Loredo may attempt to treat non-surgically before recommending surgery. Non-surgical treatments include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), either taken orally or injected, to relieve inflammation and pain
- Steroid injections into the tendons to reduce swelling and pai
- The use of splints to support the elbow and forearm
- Resting and icing the affected area
- Physical therapy
- Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection (PRP) - a small amount of blood is removed from the patient, spun down in a centrifuge into platelet-rich plasma, and injected into the affected area providing the diseased tissues with growth factors to promote healing of the tendons
Surgical Treatment Options
In the event that non-surgical treatment is ineffective, Dr. Loredo will opt for either the Tenex FAST procedure or the Open Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow Release procedure:
During an Open Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow Release procedure, Dr. Loredo accesses the affected area though a two-inch incision to release the tendon. Some stitching is required for this procedure. The Open Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow Release is generally used when the patient has been experiencing symptoms for a longer period of time and the condition is advanced, requiring more extensive removal of scar tissue.
What Can I Expect After Surgery?
The recovery period varies depending upon the treatment required. The Tenex procedure is usually associated with a faster recovery time, immediate relief from pain, and a small, stitch-free incision site. With the Open Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow Release procedure, the patient can also experience immediate relief from pain but should plan to wear a splint for approximately one week post surgery and will also be expected to participate in physical therapy to rebuild the tendon.
Dr. Pedro Loredo, performing elbow surgery for Tennis Elbow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow only affect people who play those sports?
No, anyone can be affected by this condition but the groups who are at higher risk are painters, electricians, mechanics, carpenters, butchers, avid tennis players or golfers, and masonry workers. It is also more commonly seen in people between the ages of 30 and 50 years old.
At what point is surgery necessary?
Surgery is usually necessary when Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow has advanced to a point where the patient is in constant or extreme pain despite having received non-surgical methods of treatment and/or where the condition prevents the patient from performing normal, daily tasks.
What should I do if I suspect that I have Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow?
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. If the condition is left unaddressed, it can lead to very severe chronic pain and/or irreversible tendon damage.
Contact the Loredo Hand Care Institute
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow or would like to learn more about our practice in the Dallas area, please contact us today to schedule an appointment or get your free insurance check.
