Tennis Elbow Treatment in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach & Delray Beach, FL
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury that causes pain and tenderness along the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow affects people from all walks of life, including athletes, golfers, fitness enthusiasts, tradespeople, office workers, and individuals who perform repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist movements. Dr. William P. Toole is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine specialist providing comprehensive tennis elbow treatment for patients throughout Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Delray Beach. Through advanced diagnostic evaluation, personalized rehabilitation programs, activity modification strategies, and minimally invasive treatment options when appropriate, Dr. Toole helps patients reduce pain, restore strength, and return to sports, work, and daily activities with confidence.
Elbow Anatomy
The elbow is a joint made up of three bones: the upper arm bone, the humerus, and the two forearm bones, the radius and ulna. The lower end of the humerus has bony bumps called epicondyles that serve as sites of attachment for major tendons and muscles that help in arm movement. The bump on the outside of the elbow is called the lateral epicondyle. It helps in the attachment of the tendons and muscles that help extend your fingers and wrist.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a common name for the elbow condition lateral epicondylitis. It is an overuse injury that causes inflammation and microtears of the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle.
Tennis elbow is a painful condition occurring from repeated muscle contractions at the forearm. The condition is more common in sports activities such as tennis, painting, hammering, typing, gardening and playing musical instruments.
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are similar, except that golfer’s elbow occurs on the inside of the elbow and tennis elbow occurs on the outside of the elbow. Both conditions are a type of tendonitis - inflammation of the tendons.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is usually caused by overuse of the forearm muscles but may also be caused by direct trauma such as with a fall, car accident or work injury.
Tennis elbow is commonly seen in tennis players, hence the name, especially when poor technique is used while hitting the ball with a backhand stroke. Other common causes include any activity that requires repetitive motion of the forearm such as painting, hammering, typing, raking, weaving, gardening, lifting heavy objects and playing musical instruments.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
The signs and symptoms of tennis elbow can include the following:
- Elbow pain that gradually worsens
- Pain to the outside of the elbow that radiates to the forearm and wrist with grasping objects
- Weak grip
- Painful grip
- Pain that is exacerbated in the elbow when the wrist is bent back
Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow
Your doctor will evaluate tennis elbow by reviewing your medical history, performing a thorough physical examination and ordering X-rays, MRI or electromyogram (EMG) to detect any nerve compression.
Treatment of Tennis Elbow
Your doctor will first recommend conservative treatment options. These may include:
- Limit the use and rest the arm from activities that worsen symptoms.
- Splints or braces may be ordered to decrease stress on the injured tissues.
- Apply ice packs on the elbow to reduce swelling.
- Avoid activities that bring on the symptoms and increase stress on the tendons.
- Anti-inflammatory medications and/or steroid injections may be ordered to treat pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy may be ordered for strengthening and stretching exercises to the forearm once your symptoms have decreased.
- Pulsed ultrasound may be used to increase blood flow and promote healing to the injured tendons.
If conservative treatment options fail to resolve the condition and symptoms persist for 6 -12 months, your surgeon may recommend a surgical procedure called lateral epicondyle release surgery. Your surgeon will decide whether to perform your surgery in the traditional open manner (single large incision) or endoscopically (2 to 3 tiny incisions and the use of an endoscope - narrow lighted tube with a camera). Your surgeon will decide which option is best for you depending on your specific circumstances.
Your surgeon moves aside soft tissues to view the extensor tendon and its attachment on the lateral epicondyle and then trims or releases the tendon, and reattaches it to the bone. Any scar tissue present will be removed as well as any bone spurs. After the surgery is completed, the incision(s) are closed by suturing or by tape.
Following surgery, you are referred to physical therapy to improve the range of motion and strength of your joint.
Why Choose Dr. William Toole for Tennis Elbow Treatment in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach & Delray Beach?
Chronic elbow pain can make even simple tasks such as lifting, gripping, typing, or participating in sports uncomfortable. Dr. William P. Toole is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and the treatment of tendon injuries affecting active individuals and athletes. He takes a comprehensive approach to tennis elbow care, focusing on identifying the underlying causes of tendon degeneration while developing a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient's lifestyle and goals. Whether treatment involves physical therapy, activity modification, bracing, regenerative medicine therapies, injection treatments, or surgical intervention for persistent cases, Dr. Toole is committed to helping patients achieve lasting pain relief and improved elbow function.
Tennis Elbow FAQs
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition caused by irritation and degeneration of the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. It develops when repetitive stress creates small tears within the tendon, leading to pain and reduced function.
What causes tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow is most commonly caused by repetitive wrist extension, gripping, lifting, and forearm motions. While racquet sports can contribute to the condition, it is also frequently seen in painters, mechanics, carpenters, gardeners, computer users, and individuals who perform repetitive arm movements.
What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?
Common symptoms include pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, weakened grip strength, discomfort when lifting objects, pain while shaking hands, and symptoms that worsen during repetitive wrist or forearm activities.
How is tennis elbow diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a detailed physical examination and review of symptoms and activity history. In some cases, imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI may be recommended to evaluate tendon damage and rule out other causes of elbow pain.
Can tennis elbow heal without surgery?
Yes. Most patients experience significant improvement with non-surgical treatment, including rest, activity modification, physical therapy, stretching exercises, bracing, and anti-inflammatory measures. Early intervention often helps prevent chronic symptoms from developing.
How long does it take for tennis elbow to improve?
Recovery times vary depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. Mild cases may improve within several weeks, while chronic cases may require several months of treatment and rehabilitation before achieving full recovery.
When is surgery necessary for tennis elbow?
Surgery is generally considered only after several months of comprehensive conservative treatment have failed to provide adequate relief. Surgical treatment focuses on removing damaged tendon tissue and stimulating a healing response within the affected area.
Can athletes return to sports after treatment?
Most athletes can successfully return to their sport following appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. A gradual return-to-play program helps restore strength, flexibility, and endurance while reducing the risk of reinjury.
Are biologic or regenerative medicine treatments available for tennis elbow?
Patients with chronic tendon injuries may be candidates for regenerative medicine treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. These treatments are designed to support the body's natural healing process and may be considered when traditional treatments have not produced the desired results.
Can tennis elbow come back after treatment?
Yes. Returning too quickly to repetitive activities, poor technique, inadequate conditioning, or failure to address contributing factors can increase the risk of recurrence. Ongoing strengthening and flexibility exercises can help reduce the likelihood of future symptoms.
Schedule a Tennis Elbow Evaluation in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach & Delray Beach
If elbow pain is interfering with your ability to work, compete, exercise, or enjoy everyday activities, Dr. William Toole can help. Through comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment planning, he provides advanced care for tennis elbow and other sports-related elbow conditions. Patients throughout Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Delray Beach trust Dr. Toole for expert orthopedic care focused on relieving pain, restoring function, and helping them return to active lifestyles. Contact our office today to schedule an evaluation and learn more about your treatment options.
