Tennis elbow is a common disorder of the tendons attached to the outside of the elbow. The condition begins with small tears or scar tissue developing under the tendons, with wear-and- tear of the elbow joint or irritation and inflammation of nerves in the elbow region. These tendons degenerate with repeated stress or overuse, resulting in painful tendinitis.
Frequently occurring between age 30 and 50, tennis elbow is linked to requent twisting movements of the hand, wrist and forearm. However, the condition is not exclusive to players of racquet sports. Other known causes include everyday motions such as using a screwdriver or digging in a garden as well as direct blows to the area.
The most common symptom is discomfort in the outer region of the elbow. The affected area may be tender to the touch or become significantly painful during gripping, twisting or lifting motions. Pain can range from mild to severe and can radiate up to the forearm, though there is usually no outward sign of redness or swelling.
Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is most often diagnosed during a physical exam and assessment of your daily activities and medical history. We may use imaging tests to diagnose a potential bone problem.
Typically, we begin treatment with conservative rehabilitation techniques. There is also a promising new, non-invasive treatment called Sonocur which uses sound waves to allow the tendons to heal. Surgical treatment is sometimes necessary if symptoms cannot be eliminated by other means or if the condtion has been present for over a year. The procedure involves releasing the tendon, removing the damaged tissue and reattaching the tendon to the bone.
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Testimonials
I was impressed by Dr. Desai’s skills and how he treated me. My Dupuytren’s contracture had progressed. He saw me quickly, gave me several options and I chose needle aponeurotomy. About 45 minutes later I was on my way home with full range of motion in my hand. I would see
him again.
C.H.
I had lost the use of my thumb and could not write my name, get dressed, open things or do other tasks. After my surgery I had it all back, regaining full mobility of my thumb. I got excellent care. Dr. Desai and his staff are patient and considerate. He’s the best hand surgeon in this area.
S.A.
Before seeing Dr. Desai, I had terrible arthritic pain in my thumbs. I’m a nurse and I couldn’t even write or administer IVs. Pain kept me awake at night. After my arthoplasty, my pain is gone and I have full use of my thumbs. Great results, and I’m absolutely happy.
S.S.
Had basal bone arthroplasty, (trapezium removed). Recovery was exactly as predicted, almost full use of hand in less than 3 months. Dr. Desai answered my questions completely. He was very attentive to my concerns, fully explained options & what to expect.
D.W.
My husband has had 2 carpal tunnel releases, and I recently had thumb arthroplasty and ligament reconstruction, all performed by Dr Desai. Dr. Desai is a brilliant hand surgeon whom we continue to sing praises about. Dr. Desai is direct and soft spoken. I will recommend him to anyone who needs a hand surgeon.B.S.
I've worked in the medical field for the last 16 years, and when it comes to doctors, I've see the good, the bad and the ugly. I have never done a review for a doctor until now.I recently had a 4.3 x 2.3 cm lipoma removed from my right hand by Dr. Desai. Not only was the surgery a breeze, but the recovery time was a lot quicker than I thought it would be. I had virtually no pain after surgery. He did a great job suturing using a vessel loop technique that he learned from a plastic surgeon. Because of that, my incision is barely visible. On top of that, the staff and everyone involved were amazing! In my professional opinion, Dr. Desai is the best hand surgeon I know. He takes his job very seriously and yet maintains great bed-side manners that a lot of doctors lack. I would refer Dr. Desai to anyone I know. In fact, if anyone in my family needs to have hand surgery, they will be coming to VA to have it done. My family lives in MI and TN. I wouldn't let them go to anyone else. Thank you, Dr. Desai!You're the Best!
K.D.