Tennis elbow is one of the most common causes of elbow pain, affecting not only athletes but also people whose jobs or hobbies involve repetitive arm and wrist movements. The condition can make everyday activities like lifting a coffee mug, shaking hands, typing, or carrying groceries uncomfortable. While most patients improve with conservative treatment, some may benefit from surgery when symptoms persist. If you are experiencing ongoing elbow pain, Dr. Billy Baumgartner at Nadora Healthcare may be able to help.
Dr. Billy Baumgartner is a fellowship-trained Hand & Upper Extremity surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and upper extremity. His expertise allows him to evaluate the severity of tennis elbow and recommend a personalized treatment plan based on each patient’s symptoms and activity level.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, occurs when the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow become irritated or develop small tears from repetitive use. Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players. Many people develop the condition through repetitive gripping, lifting, or twisting motions performed at work or during recreational activities.
Common causes of Tennis Elbow include:
- Racquet sports
- Repetitive lifting
- Carpentry or construction work
- Painting
- Plumbing
- Computer or office work involving repetitive wrist movements
- Gardening
Symptoms of tennis elbow often include:
- Pain on the outside of the elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Pain when lifting objects
- Discomfort while turning a doorknob or using tools
- Pain that worsens with repetitive wrist or forearm motion
Because several conditions can produce similar symptoms, an evaluation is important to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of elbow pain.
Why Choose Dr. Billy Baumgartner?
Dr. Billy Baumgartner is a fellowship-trained Hand & Upper Extremity surgeon at Nadora Healthcare with specialized expertise in treating elbow injuries and disorders. His focused training allows him to accurately diagnose Tennis Elbow and develop individualized treatment plans that help patients return to work, sports, and everyday activities.
During your appointment, Dr. Baumgartner will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, perform a thorough physical examination, and may recommend imaging studies if needed to evaluate the tendons and surrounding structures.
Patients appreciate Dr. Baumgartner’s patient-centered approach and his commitment to helping them understand their diagnosis and available treatment options before deciding on the next step in their care.
Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow
Most cases of Tennis Elbow improve without surgery. Initial treatment is typically focused on reducing inflammation, allowing the tendon to heal, and improving strength and flexibility.
Conservative treatment options may include:
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Bracing or counterforce straps
- Corticosteroid or other therapeutic injections when appropriate
Many patients experience significant improvement with these treatments over time.
However, if symptoms continue for several months despite appropriate nonsurgical care and continue to interfere with work, sports, or daily activities, tennis elbow surgery may be recommended.
During surgery, the damaged portion of the tendon is repaired or removed to promote healing and restore function. The exact procedure depends on the severity of the tendon damage and each patient’s individual condition.
Following surgery, rehabilitation plays an important role in recovery. Physical therapy and guided exercises help restore elbow strength, flexibility, and range of motion while supporting a safe return to normal activities. Dr. Baumgartner provides detailed guidance throughout the recovery process to help patients achieve the best possible outcome.
When to See a Specialist
Persistent elbow pain should not be ignored, particularly if it limits your ability to work, participate in sports, or perform everyday tasks. Early evaluation can help identify Tennis Elbow before the condition becomes more severe and may improve your chances of successful nonsurgical treatment.
If conservative care has not relieved your symptoms or if elbow pain continues to affect your quality of life, it may be time to consult a specialist.
Dr. Billy Baumgartner at Nadora Healthcare may be able to help patients experiencing Tennis Elbow through comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment. As a fellowship-trained Hand & Upper Extremity surgeon, he offers both nonsurgical care and advanced surgical treatment when appropriate. His goal is to relieve pain, restore strength and function, and help patients return to the activities they enjoy with greater comfort and confidence.
