Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow

Omar Saleem, MD, MsPT

Dr. Omar Saleem is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), a condition characterized by inflammation of the tendons on the outer part of the elbow. This injury commonly results from overuse of the forearm muscles due to repetitive motions, such as those seen in sports like tennis or activities that involve gripping, lifting, or twisting.

Diagnosis

Dr. Saleem uses a thorough diagnostic process, including:

  • Patient History: Discussing the patient’s activity levels, including any repetitive motions that may have caused the injury, and assessing symptoms like pain and tenderness on the outer elbow.
  • Physical Examination: Conducting specific tests such as the Cozen’s test or Mill’s test to evaluate pain during certain movements and determine the severity of the injury.
  • Imaging: In some cases, Dr. Saleem may use ultrasound or MRI to confirm the diagnosis and assess the condition of the tendons.

Treatment Options

Dr. Saleem offers a range of both non-surgical and, in severe cases, surgical options for treating tennis elbow:

  • Non-Surgical Treatments:
    • Rest and Activity Modification: Recommending a break from activities that aggravate the condition.
    • Physical Therapy: Specific exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles, improve flexibility, and promote healing.
    • Anti-Inflammatory Medications: To reduce pain and swelling in the affected area.
    • Bracing or Supports: Wearing a forearm brace to relieve stress on the tendons.
    • Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, injections may be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Surgical Treatment: If conservative treatments fail, Dr. Saleem may recommend:
    • Tendon Repair Surgery: Removing damaged tendon tissue and reattaching the healthy tendon to the bone, typically using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques.

Rehabilitation and Prevention

Dr. Saleem emphasizes proper rehabilitation to restore strength and prevent future injuries:

  • Rehabilitation Programs: Gradually strengthening the forearm and elbow muscles while improving flexibility.
  • Preventive Strategies: Offering advice on ergonomic improvements, proper technique during physical activities, and stretching exercises to avoid recurrence of tennis elbow.