I have Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) and I have been told I need surgery. Do I have other options?
Tennis elbow involves degeneration of the tendons on the outer side of the elbow. This makes lifting objects and moving the elbow very painful. Some patients are severely affected, but others experience far less difficulty. In many instances, tennis elbow is a self-limiting process and will resolve itself spontaneously. If the pain is very severe, a cortisone injection may be offered to eliminate the pain, but it will not cure the problem. Because a maximum of 2-3 injections can be given for this condition over a lifetime, most surgeons will not often inject patients. If the pain returns after surgery, and other non-operative alternatives are not successful, then surgery may be considered. Surgical options include both arthroscopic and open surgery. Both work very well, but the arthroscopic approach might allow you to return earlier to work and normal activity. When the symptoms first occur, treatments such as ice, anti-inflammatories, stretching, and gentle compression should be tried
