Tennis Elbow Specialist in Bartlett, Elgin, Schaumburg, and Chicago, IL
Orthopedic Care for Tennis Elbow in the Chicago Area
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common injury affecting nearly three million people each year. This painful condition is caused by overworking the tendons in the elbow, which often results from repetitive arm and wrist motions. Once tennis elbow pain sets in, something as simple as gripping your steering wheel can cause pain.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
While tennis elbow is often a sports injury, it doesn’t only affect athletes. Many day-to-day activities can trigger it as well. Plumbers, carpenters, painters, and even gardeners all use repetitive motions that can cause the tiny tears and muscle strain that lead to tennis elbow. Even less obvious activities like repetitive computer mouse use and cutting up cooking ingredients can contribute to tennis elbow pain.
How do I Know if I Have Tennis Elbow?
A visit with one of our board-certified physicians is required to diagnose tennis elbow. They will ask if you are experiencing pain on the outside of your elbow, though some patients may also experience wrist and forearm pain. They may have you bend and straighten your arm, as some patients may also experience pain or stiffness during these movements. It’s common for the pain to be triggered by a specific movement, such as turning a doorknob.
How do I Know if I Have Tennis Elbow?
A visit with one of our board-certified physicians is required to diagnose tennis elbow. They will ask if you are experiencing pain on the outside of your elbow, though some patients may also experience wrist and forearm pain. They may have you bend and straighten your arm, as some patients may also experience pain or stiffness during these movements. It’s common for the pain to be triggered by a specific movement, such as turning a doorknob.
How is Tennis Elbow Treated?
Tennis elbow often responds well to conservative home treatments, such as icing the affected area, over-the-counter medications, or lifestyle modifications such as avoiding movements that cause pain. However, if these options aren’t providing relief, our Suburban Orthopaedics specialists will discuss further options such as physical therapy, pain management, or bracing. Most people can recover from tennis elbow with non-surgical treatment. If needed, your surgeon will discuss whether open surgery is necessary or if arthroscopic procedures are appropriate for your case.
How Long Does it Take to Recover from Tennis Elbow?
In some cases, avoiding the activity that caused your tennis elbow for a couple of weeks may be enough to feel relief. However, in many cases, you may need to avoid the activity for months for your elbow to heal fully. It’s important not to push through the pain, as that will only make it worse. Your doctor will give you a better idea of healing times based on the severity of damage to your tendon.
Can I Prevent Tennis Elbow?
By utilizing a few simple precautions, you can prevent tennis elbow or prevent it from recurring. Wear protective gear during sports, warm up before exercising, and stretch afterwards. Never push through pain; giving your body the time it needs to rest and recover is the best way to prevent overuse.
Tennis Elbow Specialists in the Greater Chicago Area
If you’re experiencing elbow pain that isn’t responding to rest, you don’t have to live with the pain. The orthopedic specialists at Suburban Orthopaedic will work with you to find the right treatment plan. Schedule an appointment now, or we offer same-day services at our Bartlett, Elgin, and Schaumburg, IL locations.
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