Lateral/Medial Epicondylitis

• Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis elbow) symptoms:

  • Pain and burning on the outer part of the elbow (lateral epicondyle) or forearm
  • Pain with resisted wrist or finger extension

• Medial epicondylitis (Golfer’s elbow) symptoms:

  • Pain on the inner part of the elbow (medial epicondyle),
  • Pain with forearm rotation or grasping.

Lateral/Medial Epicondylitis is diagnosed in the office after thorough discussion and physical exam with your orthopedic provider. X-rays of the elbow are mostly used to rule out other elbow problems. MRI can be ordered to evaluate for tendon or ligament tears or other soft tissue abnormalities.

• Splinting of the wrist and forearm during activity
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Steroid or “cortisone” injections can reduce tendon inflammation and reduce or eliminate symptoms
• CBD – CBD is a natural, nonsurgical way to help treat pain and tendon inflammation
• PRP and Stem Cell injections are nonsurgical ways to treat pain and inflammation associated with lateral/medial epicondylitis
• Surgery

Open or Arthroscopic surgical debridement of the affected tendon, followed by tendon repair can be performed if symptoms persist after 6-12 months of nonsurgical management.

Most of the patients can start gentle range-of-motion exercises shortly after surgery, followed by light stretching and strengthening exercises 2 weeks after surgery. These exercises work the muscles of the forearm without straining the healing tissue. Physical therapy is sometimes recommended to improve the strength of the elbow and forearm.