Dallas Tennis Elbow Surgeon

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a painful condition occurring from repeated muscle contractions in the forearm that lead to inflammation or tearing of the extensor tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus (outer elbow). This condition is often due to repetitive wrist extension or gripping activities, similar to those used in tennis, and is classified as an overuse injury. Individuals with this elbow condition may experience elbow pain and weakness on the outer side of the elbow joint and forearm muscles. Symptoms affecting the elbow can sometimes overlap with conditions such as golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), which involves the inner side of the elbow.

Although this condition is commonly associated with tennis players, tennis elbow occurs in anyone who performs repetitive motion of the forearm muscles and wrist. This can include, but is not limited to, painters, carpenters, mechanics, or even office workers who frequently use a mouse or keyboard. It is important to note that the condition typically develops gradually, with symptoms of tennis elbow including gradually worsening pain that may radiate down the forearm.

Over time, daily tasks like lifting a coffee cup, turning a doorknob, or shaking hands can become difficult due to injured tendons and inflammation of the tendons. Early recognition of the symptoms and treatment of tennis elbow are important to prevent the condition from becoming chronic or interfering with daily activities. Nerve-related symptoms such as numbness or tingling may prompt evaluation for ulnar nerve entrapment or cubital tunnel syndrome.

Tennis Elbow Treatment Options & Procedure

Pain and inflammation that does not improve with conservative tennis elbow treatment, such as rest, physical therapy, bracing, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, or PRP injections, may require surgical intervention to relieve pain and restore function. If you are reading this, your care team has likely determined that surgery by a Dallas tennis elbow surgeon, often a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in the elbow joint, is the most appropriate next step in your recovery after conservative treatment options fail.

Tennis elbow surgery in Dallas involves a surgical procedure called lateral epicondyle release surgery or tendon repair. This procedure removes damaged tissue, scar tissue present, and/or reattaches the tendon to the humerus bone. The goal of this surgical procedure is to remove the diseased tissue around the outside of the elbow, improve blood flow to the injured tissues, and alleviate tennis elbow pain. Strict compliance with these post-operative instructions is critical to ensure tendon healing and achieve optimal elbow recovery.

FAQS

Surgery is typically considered if tennis elbow conservative treatments including anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, and physical therapy, fail to alleviate pain after 6–12 months, or if the injury significantly impacts your ability to perform everyday tasks like lifting heavy objects or gripping. Your medical history and a thorough physical examination will be used to evaluate tennis elbow severity.

You can rest assured that Dallas tennis elbow specialist Dr. Thornton will assess the severity of the elbow condition, lateral epicondylitis, and discuss surgical options if necessary.

Tennis elbow surgery involves removing damaged tissue or scar tissue from the lateral epicondyle and possibly reattaching the tendon to the humerus (upper arm bone). The procedure is generally done arthroscopically (endoscopic surgery involves one or two ½-inch incisions) or with a traditional open incision – this is dependent on the extent of the damage. The goal is to relieve tennis elbow symptoms by removing diseased tissue, increasing blood flow to the injured tissues, and addressing any bone spurs contributing to symptoms.

Recovery time varies but typically involves immobilization in a sling for 1-2 weeks. You’ll start with a gentle range of motion and stretching exercises at home after this brief period, followed by physical therapy to regain strength and decrease stress on the elbow joint around 6 weeks after surgery.

** Patients may note that full recovery can take 3–6 months, depending on the extent of the surgery and their rehabilitation progress.

As with any surgery, risks may include infection, nerve compression or damage, stiffness, and complications related to anesthesia. However, with proper post-operative care, including physical therapy and adherence to recovery protocols, these risks can be minimized. Your Dallas tennis elbow specialist will discuss any potential complications specific to your case and how to treat pain and prevent worsening symptoms.

What to Eat or Drink Following Your Procedure

Light foods and clear liquids will be best in the first 24-48 hours following your procedure. Avoid heavy or greasy meals as these can cause gastrointestinal upset, which may worsen symptoms and delay recovery.
Pain medication can cause nausea. If you experience severe nausea or vomiting, contact our office at once.
Hydration is a key element in efficient recovery and reducing swelling. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. You may supplement water with electrolyte beverages as needed to maintain optimal fluid balance.

Caring for Incisions

The surgical site has been covered with a sterile dressing to protect the incision and soft tissues. Do not remove this dressing. Our team will remove your dressing during your first follow-up visit.
You may notice light spotting or fluid on the surgical dressing. If the dressing becomes saturated, do not remove it. Instead, cover it with sterile gauze and contact our office immediately to prevent infection.
The incision area must remain dry to prevent infection. You may shower 24 hours after surgery by covering the surgical site with a waterproof covering. Do not allow the site to become immersed in water. No baths, pools, or hot tubs are allowed during the initial healing phase.
Itching and swelling around the incision site are normal signs of healing. Do not scratch the area, as this may damage the healing tissues. Some patients find relief by lightly rubbing around the area. If itching becomes severe, contact our office.
Do not apply any type of ointments, lotions, creams, or other skincare products to the incision area to avoid irritation or infection.
We will remove your stitches or sutures based on your healing progress as observed at a follow-up visit. In most cases, stitches or sutures are removed 1-2 weeks following surgery.

Pain and Medication Guidelines

*The following are general aftercare guidelines for the use of medications. Your Dallas tennis elbow surgeon will provide specific instructions as they pertain to your health, prescriptions, and procedure.

Numbing medication (anesthesia) from the procedure will begin to wear off within 6-10 hours after your surgery. Swelling and pain are common, typically peaking around days 2 to 3 post-operation.
You have been prescribed pain medication to help manage tennis elbow pain and inflammation. Please take this as directed by your doctor and according to the label instructions. Do not take more of this medication than directed.
Pain medication side effects can include dizziness and drowsiness. Some patients also experience nausea and constipation. Taking your prescription with a light meal may help.
If you experience severe nausea or vomiting, contact the office.
Do not attempt to drive or operate heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medications.
If you are at risk for developing blood clots due to your elbow injury or surgery, please discuss this risk with your specialist. A low-dose aspirin or other preventive options may help to reduce this risk.

Your Mobility Following Tennis Elbow Surgery

For the first week, maintain your elbow in a slightly flexed position to minimize swelling and tension on the healing tendons and soft tissues.
Keep the provided brace/splint on continuously until the first post-operative visit or as specified by your doctor. Avoid activities involving upward lifting or forceful gripping with the affected hand to prevent stress on the repaired extensor tendon.
Avoid any activities that may strain your elbow, such as lifting with the palm down, repetitive wrist twisting, or heavy grasping, as these require repetitive motion and can worsen symptoms.
Avoid prolonged periods of sitting, including long car rides, for the first two weeks to reduce swelling and promote circulation.
Do not attempt to drive until cleared by your surgeon. Attempting to drive while wearing your brace/splint can pose a safety hazard.
After one week, you may return to work. Discuss accommodations with your workplace to work in a position that does not involve the use of your operative arm.

Proper Usage of Your Brace/Splint

Keep the prescribed elbow brace/splint on at all times, including during sleep, until cleared by your Dallas tennis elbow doctor to support the elbow joint and decrease stress on the healing tissues. If adjustments are necessary, please contact our office for assistance.
Your specialist can discuss temporary removal for the purposes of hygiene based on your progress.

Use a Cold Pack for Swelling

Use cold therapy, such as ice packs, to manage swelling and pain around the outer elbow and forearm. Apply a cold pack, prescribed cooling device, or ice over the operative area for 20-30 minutes every 2-3 hours for the first week to reduce inflammation.
Do not apply cold therapy directly to your skin. Place a protective barrier, such as a towel or cloth, in between to avoid injury.

Movement and Stretching Guidelines

As directed by your surgeon, engage in finger and wrist flexion starting 48 hours post-surgery. Do not engage in active wrist extension or gripping until cleared by your doctor. Regular hand and wrist flexion movements throughout the day can reduce the risk of circulatory complications and stiffness in the forearm bones and soft tissues.

Our office can help you arrange a visit with a physical therapist if your doctor has ordered physical therapy. Please contact our care team to set this up for strengthening and stretching exercises that will aid in recovery and relieve tennis elbow symptoms.

CALL US IF…

Reach out right away if you notice:

214 265 3271

Severe, persistent pain that does not improve with medication or radiates through your upper arm.
Fever, chills, infection, redness, off-color discharge.
Severe swelling, tingling, numbness or skin discoloration, particularly in the hand, fingers or forearm.
Respiratory distress or chest discomfort.
Bleeding or persistent fluid leakage at the incision site.

Experiencing Symptoms of Tennis Elbow? You Don’t Have to Be in Pain. Contact Dallas Tennis Elbow Surgeon Dr. Thornton today!

Dr. Thornton specializes in treating a wide range of elbow problems, including tendon disorders on both the inner and outer sides of the joint, tendon ruptures, and nerve-related symptoms. Call (214) 265-3271 or use our online scheduling tool to request your appointment today.

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