Expert Orthopedic Care

Tennis Elbow: Effective Treatment for Outer Elbow Pain

Comprehensive treatment for tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). Dr. Daniel Feghhi provides personalized care to help you return to pain-free activity, whether you're a tennis player or not.

Schedule Your Consultation Learn More
Board Certified
Fellowship Trained
15+ Years Experience
tennis elbow. tennis player with pain in his elbow joint during match. hand joint inflammation. sport injury
Understanding the Condition

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a condition that causes pain on the outer side of the elbow. It's one of the most common overuse injuries affecting the elbow joint.

Lateral Epicondyle

The lateral epicondyle is the bony bump on the outer side of the elbow where the extensor tendons of the forearm attach.

Tendon Degeneration

Repetitive stress causes micro-tears in the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, leading to degeneration and chronic pain.

Not Just Tennis

While common in tennis players, this condition affects anyone who repeatedly uses their wrists or forearms, including painters, plumbers, and office workers.

Activities That Can Cause Tennis Elbow

Tennis, baseball/softball, golf, painting, plumbing, carpentry, cooking, and repetitive computer work are common causes of this condition.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Recognizing Tennis Elbow

Understanding the symptoms and getting proper diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment.

Common Symptoms

  • Pain or burning on the outer side of the elbow
  • Weakness in the wrist and difficulty gripping objects
  • Pain when shaking hands or turning a doorknob
  • Pain when lifting objects, especially with the palm down
  • Morning stiffness or tightness in the forearm
  • Pain that worsens with repetitive wrist movements

Diagnostic Methods

  • Physical Examination: Dr. Feghhi will examine your elbow and test range of motion
  • Medical History: Discussion of your symptoms, activities, and when the pain began
  • X-Rays: To rule out arthritis or other bone conditions
  • MRI: If soft tissue damage is suspected
  • EMG: To rule out nerve compression issues

The Tennis Elbow Test (Cozen's Test)

During the physical examination, Dr. Feghhi may perform Cozen's test. This involves having you extend your arm and wrist while he applies resistance. Pain on the outer elbow during this test is a strong indicator of tennis elbow.

Treatment Options

Treatment for Tennis Elbow

Dr. Feghhi offers comprehensive treatment options ranging from conservative management to advanced surgical interventions.

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments

Rest and Activity Modification

Avoiding activities that aggravate the elbow to allow healing of damaged tendons.

Ice Therapy

Applying ice to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area.

Bracing

A counterforce brace or wrist splint can reduce stress on healing tendons.

Physical Therapy

Customized exercises to strengthen forearm muscles and improve flexibility.

Medications

NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and manage pain during recovery.

Corticosteroid Injections

Powerful anti-inflammatory injections to provide relief for stubborn cases.

PRP Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma injections to promote natural tendon healing.

Surgical Treatments

Lateral Epicondyle Release

A minimally invasive procedure to release the affected tendon from the lateral epicondyle.

  • Outpatient procedure
  • Minimal scarring
  • Quick return to activities

Tendon Repair

Surgical repair of severely damaged tendons, reattaching them to the bone for optimal healing.

  • Restores function
  • Strong fixation
  • Comprehensive rehab

Arthroscopic Surgery

Minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure to remove damaged tissue and promote healing.

  • Small incisions
  • Faster recovery
  • Minimal scarring
Recovery Timeline

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of your condition and the treatment approach chosen.

1

Phase 1: Acute Phase

Weeks 1-2

  • Rest and immobilization
  • Ice therapy
  • NSAIDs as needed
  • Gentle wrist movement
2

Phase 2: Healing Phase

Weeks 3-6

  • Begin physical therapy
  • Stretching exercises
  • Gradual strength building
  • Return to light activities
3

Phase 3: Strengthening

Weeks 7-12

  • Intensive strengthening
  • Endurance training
  • Sport-specific exercises
  • Functional testing
4

Phase 4: Return to Activity

3-6 Months

  • Full activity return
  • Continued strengthening
  • Injury prevention training
  • Long-term maintenance

Post-Surgical Recovery Timeline

If surgery is required, full recovery typically takes 3-6 months. Most patients can return to light activities within 2-4 weeks and resume sports within 3-4 months, depending on the surgical procedure and individual healing.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about tennis elbow.

How long does it take to recover from tennis elbow?

Can I play tennis with tennis elbow?

What's the difference between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?

Do I need surgery for tennis elbow?

How can I prevent tennis elbow from returning?

Can tennis elbow affect both arms?

Ready to Get Rid of Tennis Elbow Pain?

Don't let tennis elbow keep you from doing what you love. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Daniel Feghhi today and get back to an active, pain-free life.

Schedule Your Consultation Call Us: (973) 945-5055
Our Locations

Visit Us in New Jersey

Dr. Feghsi sees patients at multiple convenient locations throughout New Jersey.

Dover

400 W Blackwell St
Dover, NJ 07801

Phone: (973) 945-5055

Get Directions →

East Brunswick

620 Cranbury Rd, Suite 110
East Brunswick, NJ 08816

Phone: (732) 955-8865

Get Directions →

Elizabeth

453 Elizabeth Ave
Elizabeth, NJ 07201

Phone: (908) 966-5550

Get Directions →

Hackensack

25-15 Queens Plaza S
Long Island City, NY 11101

Phone: (718) 870-6200

Get Directions →

Wayne

2035 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite C
Wayne, NJ 07470

Phone: (973) 696-7600

Get Directions →

Need Help Choosing a Location?

Our team can help you find the most convenient location for your needs.

Contact Us