Understanding Elbow Pain and Tennis Elbow
If you’re an avid tennis or pickleball player in Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, Stuart, Hollywood or Delray Beach and are experiencing discomfort in your elbow, you may be dealing with a condition known as tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis. This common issue arises from repetitive overuse of the forearm muscles, causing small tears in the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow. Symptoms typically include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, which can be aggravated by activities such as gripping a racket, shaking hands, or lifting objects. Left untreated, this discomfort can interfere with both your daily life and your ability to enjoy sports.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow for Pickleball and Tennis Players
Tennis elbow usually develops over time, starting as a mild ache and progressively worsening. You may notice stiffness in the elbow, difficulty gripping items firmly, or pain that radiates down your forearm. For pickleball and tennis players who play regularly, the repetitive motions of swinging a racket can exacerbate these symptoms. This condition doesn’t just affect athletes—anyone who frequently uses their arms in repetitive tasks, such as typing, painting, or manual labor, can develop similar symptoms. Recognizing the early signs and taking action is key to preventing further damage.
When to See an Orthopedic Doctor for Elbow Pain
If your elbow pain persists or worsens, it’s time to consult an orthopedic doctor for a thorough evaluation. Medical specialists at Florida OrthoCare like David Rondon, MD and Louis Starace, MD are trained to diagnose and treat conditions like tennis elbow. During your visit, your doctor will assess your symptoms, perform physical exams to pinpoint the affected area, and may order imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs to rule out other conditions. This personalized approach ensures a precise diagnosis and sets the stage for an effective treatment plan.
Advanced Treatment Options: PRP Therapy and Corticosteroid Injections
Orthopedic doctors at Florida OrthoCare offer several advanced treatment options for tennis elbow. One innovative option is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, where a concentrated dose of your own platelets is injected into the injured tendon to promote healing and reduce inflammation. This natural, minimally invasive approach has shown promising results for chronic elbow pain and can help accelerate recovery.
Another common treatment is a corticosteroid injection, which provides immediate relief from pain and inflammation. While these injections offer short-term benefits, they are often combined with physical therapy to address the root cause of the condition and prevent recurrence. Your orthopedic doctor will help you determine the best treatment based on your specific situation and goals.
Recovery and Rehabilitation for Tennis Elbow
Whether you choose PRP therapy, corticosteroid injections, or a combination of treatments, recovery from tennis elbow requires patience and proper rehabilitation. Your orthopedic doctor may recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding the elbow, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of reinjury. During recovery, modifying activities that strain the elbow—such as pickleball or tennis—is essential to allow the tendon to heal properly.
Take Action Today with Florida OrthoCare
Don’t let elbow pain prevent you from enjoying your favorite sports or daily activities. By consulting an orthopedic doctor for elbow pain at Florida OrthoCare, you’ll receive expert care tailored to your needs. Whether you’re interested in advanced options like PRP therapy or need guidance on physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments, the specialists at Florida OrthoCare are here to help you get back to your active lifestyle. Schedule your evaluation today at any of our 8 medical offices throughout Florida and take the first step toward recovery.
