Expert Treatment for Chronic Elbow Pain
Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow Surgery in Southern Illinois
Persistent pain on the outside or inside of your elbow can make simple activities like shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or lifting a cup of coffee feel unbearable. If you're experiencing this, you might be dealing with tennis elbow or golfer's elbow. These common conditions, known as lateral and medial epicondylitis, are overuse injuries caused by damage to the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to your elbow. While many cases resolve with rest and conservative care, chronic pain often requires a more definitive solution. Finding the right orthopedic elbow specialist is the key to getting lasting relief.
Dr. Srinath Kamineni is a leading orthopedic elbow surgeon in Mount Carmel, IL, offering advanced care for patients suffering from chronic tennis and golfer's elbow. As a surgeon who is double fellowship-trained and board-certified in both the USA and England, Dr. Kamineni brings an unparalleled level of expertise to his practice. He focuses on providing effective, long-term solutions for patients who have not found relief with non-surgical methods. If you are searching for the best orthopedic surgeons in southern Illinois to address your elbow pain, we are here to guide you toward recovery.
Take control of your elbow pain today. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn about your treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow?
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) are tendon injuries that cause pain and inflammation around the elbow joint. Tennis elbow symptoms include pain and tenderness on the bony knob on the outside of your elbow, which can radiate into the forearm and wrist. It's caused by damage to the tendons that bend your wrist backward. Conversely, golfer's elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow, with pain centered on the inner bony point. Both are repetitive strain injuries and are not limited to athletes; they are common among painters, plumbers, carpenters, and office workers. While they sound similar, the location of the pain is the key differentiator.
When is Surgery the Right Treatment?
Surgery is considered the right tennis elbow treatment or golfer's elbow treatment when your symptoms have not improved after 6 to 12 months of consistent non-surgical care. Conservative treatments include rest, physical therapy, bracing, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections. If your pain remains severe, limits your daily activities, and hasn't responded to these methods, you may be a candidate for surgery. An expert orthopaedic elbow specialist like Dr. Kamineni can perform a thorough evaluation to confirm that all non-operative options have been exhausted and that surgery offers the best chance for a permanent solution to your chronic pain.
What Happens During Tennis Elbow Surgery?
Tennis elbow surgery is a procedure designed to remove the damaged tendon tissue and relieve pain. The most common approach involves making a small incision over the outside of the elbow (the lateral epicondyle). Dr. Kamineni will then carefully remove the diseased, degenerated portion of the tendon, leaving only healthy tissue. He may also stimulate a healing response in the bone where the tendon attaches. The procedure can often be performed arthroscopically with keyhole incisions or through a traditional open technique. As a top tennis elbow specialist near you, Dr. Kamineni will determine the optimal surgical approach for your specific condition to ensure a successful outcome.
What is the Treatment for Golfer's Elbow?
Similar to tennis elbow, golfer's elbow treatment initially focuses on non-surgical methods. When these fail, surgery may be recommended. The procedure for golfer's elbow targets the tendons on the inside of the elbow (the medial epicondyle). During the operation, Dr. Kamineni will make an incision over this area, release the inflamed tendon, and remove the damaged tissue. This process debrides the unhealthy portion of the tendon, relieving tension and promoting healing. The goal of this golfer elbow treatment is to eliminate the source of pain and restore your ability to use your arm without discomfort.
What is Recovery Like After Surgery?
Recovery after surgery for tennis or golfer's elbow is a structured process aimed at restoring strength and function while the tendon heals. After the procedure, which is typically done on an outpatient basis, your arm will be immobilized in a splint or sling for a short period. Dr. Kamineni will provide specific instructions on pain management and when to begin therapy. Physical therapy is a critical component of recovery, starting with gentle range-of-motion exercises and progressing to strengthening exercises over several weeks and months. Most patients can return to light daily activities within a few weeks, but a full return to strenuous activities or sports may take four to six months.
How Do I Find an Elbow Specialist Near Me?
Finding a qualified elbow doctor is the most important step in your treatment journey. If you're looking for a top-tier elbow specialist in Olney and Mount Carmel, we make it easy to schedule a consultation with Dr. Srinath Kamineni. His extensive experience, including double fellowships with the world's leading elbow surgeons, sets him apart. Our team is ready to help you find a convenient appointment time to discuss your elbow pain. You can call our office directly or use our online scheduling portal to request a time that works for you. Don't let elbow pain continue to disrupt your life. Contact Dr. Kamineni today to begin your path to relief.
What is the success rate for tennis and golfer's elbow surgery?
Surgical treatment for tennis elbow and golfer's elbow is highly successful. Success is most likely when performed by an experienced elbow surgeon like Dr. Kamineni for the right indications.
How do I know if I have tennis elbow or golfer's elbow?
A key indicator is the location of your pain. If the pain is on the outer side of your elbow, it's likely tennis elbow. If the pain is on the inner side, it's likely golfer's elbow. A definitive diagnosis should always be made by a qualified doctor, such as an orthopedic elbow specialist.
Are there any non-surgical options I should try first?
Absolutely. Surgery is only recommended after a comprehensive trial of non-surgical treatments has failed. These options include rest from aggravating activities, physical therapy, forearm bracing or straps, anti-inflammatory medications (oral or topical), and injections. Dr. Kamineni also offers effective non-surgical solutions and can guide you through these treatments to help alleviate your condition.