Our fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopaedic surgeons at Advanced Orthopaedic Associates bring the highest level of expertise to sports medicine care and orthopaedic surgery. Our patient-focused care for tennis elbow that won’t heal begins with education and helping patients understand the timeline for considering surgery.
Conservative Care Comes First
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, develops when small tears form in the tendon on the outside of the elbow. The main culprit behind it is repetitive motion, such as gripping or lifting.
Most patients start with non-surgical treatments. These may include activity modification, bracing, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications.
In some cases, injections such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are a good option to encourage healing and reduce pain. This treatment involves drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to concentrate growth factors, and injecting it into the injured tendon to encourage natural repair and reduce inflammation over time.
When Surgery Becomes an Option
Our orthopaedic surgeons may consider elbow surgery if:
- You’ve tried conservative care like injections, bracing, or other therapies for around 6-12 months, but your symptoms persist.
- Pain interferes with work, sports, or daily activities.
- Your grip strength is reduced, or your arm and hand function is limited.
- Imaging shows that tendon damage is unlikely to heal on its own
Surgery for tennis elbow usually involves minimally invasive techniques of removing damaged tendon tissue and reattaching healthy tissue to restore strength and smooth movement.
Recovery After Surgery
Recovery takes time and often includes physical therapy to restore motion and rebuild strength. Most patients gradually return to regular activities over several months. The recovery timeline depends on the severity of the tennis elbow and the type of work or sports you do.
Elbow Surgery in Wichita, KS
If you’re still struggling with tennis elbow and are seeking a lasting solution, you may be a good candidate for surgery. At Advanced Orthopaedic Associates, our highly trained surgeons offer elbow surgery using the most advanced, specialized techniques for patients in Wichita, Wellington, and Winfield. Call 316-631-1600 today to schedule an appointment and discuss options for tennis elbow.
