When should I see a doctor for tennis elbow?

You should see an orthopedic specialist if your elbow pain persists for more than a few weeks, worsens over time, or interferes with daily activities like gripping, lifting, or twisting. Early evaluation can lead to more effective treatment and help prevent the condition from becoming chronic.

Do I need surgery for tennis elbow?

Most patients do not need surgery. Approximately 80–95% of tennis elbow cases improve with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, bracing, activity modification, and corticosteroid injections. Surgery is typically considered only after 6–12 months of conservative treatment has not provided adequate relief.

How long does tennis elbow take to heal?

Recovery time varies depending on severity. With appropriate non-surgical treatment, some patients see improvement within 6–12 weeks, though full recovery may take several months. If surgery is needed, it typically takes 4–6 months to return to full activity. Andrew Yang, MD will discuss a timeline based on your condition.

Is tennis elbow the same as golfer's elbow?

No. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow, while golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow. Both are overuse injuries, but they involve different muscle groups and tendon attachment points.

Can I prevent tennis elbow from coming back?

Yes. Key prevention strategies include maintaining forearm strength through targeted exercises, using proper technique and ergonomic equipment during sports or work, taking regular breaks during repetitive tasks, and wearing a counterforce brace during high-risk activities. Andrew Yang, MD can discuss a prevention plan.

Tennis Elbow Treatment with Dr. Andrew Yang

Elbow pain when gripping, lifting, or twisting? Dr. Andrew Yang, a hand surgeon board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery by ABOS, provides hand and upper extremity care at OrthoMD in Fort Lee, NJ and Bayside, NY.

Understanding Tennis Elbow with Dr. Andrew Yang

Tennis elbow — medically known as lateral epicondylitis — is an overuse injury that causes pain on the outside of the elbow. It occurs when the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outer elbow (the lateral epicondyle) become damaged from repetitive stress.

The muscle most commonly involved is the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), which helps stabilize the wrist during gripping. Repetitive motions can cause small tears in the ECRB tendon that may contribute to inflammation, degeneration, and pain.

Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players. It frequently affects people who perform repetitive arm, wrist, and hand motions — including workers, hobbyists, and athletes across many sports and occupations.

Common Symptoms

Tennis elbow symptoms typically develop gradually and may worsen with continued use of the forearm. If you notice any of the following, consider scheduling an evaluation with an orthopedic specialist.

Pain or burning sensation on the outer part of the elbow

Weak grip strength, especially when holding objects

Pain when lifting, gripping, or twisting — such as turning a doorknob

Pain radiating from the elbow into the forearm and wrist

Difficulty opening jars, shaking hands, or holding a coffee cup

Causes & Risk Factors

Tennis elbow results from repeated stress on the forearm muscles and tendons. Andrew Yang, MD considers your risk factors when discussing treatment options.

Repetitive wrist and arm motions — gripping, twisting, and lifting

Racquet sports — tennis, racquetball, and squash with improper technique

Manual trades — painting, plumbing, carpentry, and assembly work

Prolonged computer use — typing and mouse use with poor ergonomics

Age — most common in adults between 30 and 50 years old

Work-related overuse — repetitive tasks in factories, kitchens, or offices

Diagnosis

Tennis elbow is typically diagnosed through a focused physical examination. In most cases, Andrew Yang, MD can provide a diagnosis and discuss treatment options during your first visit.

Physical examination — applying pressure to the lateral epicondyle to check for tenderness and reproduce symptoms

Grip strength testing — assessing weakness that is characteristic of tennis elbow

Provocative maneuvers — resisted wrist extension and finger extension tests to isolate the affected tendon

Imaging is usually not needed initially — tennis elbow is a clinical diagnosis based on history and exam findings

MRI may be ordered if symptoms are not improving with treatment, to evaluate tendon damage or rule out other conditions

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatments

Some patients with tennis elbow improve without surgery. Andrew Yang, MD discusses conservative options based on the severity and duration of your symptoms.

Rest and activity modification — reducing or avoiding the motions that aggravate symptoms

Physical therapy — targeted exercises to strengthen forearm muscles and improve flexibility

Counterforce bracing — a strap worn below the elbow to reduce stress on the injured tendon

Anti-inflammatory medications — short-term NSAIDs to help manage pain and swelling

Corticosteroid Injections

When pain is significant, a corticosteroid injection can provide effective short-term relief:

Reduces inflammation at the tendon attachment site

Provides pain relief to support participation in physical therapy

Quick, in-office procedure with minimal downtime

Helpful for breaking the cycle of pain and allowing healing to begin

For selected chronic or recurrent cases, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injection may be discussed after evaluation; results vary.

Surgical Treatment (If Needed)

If symptoms persist after 6–12 months of conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended. The goal of surgery is to remove the diseased portion of the tendon and allow healthy tissue to heal. Most patients who reach this stage find significant relief after the procedure.

What to expect from surgery:

Removal of damaged, degenerative tendon tissue

Outpatient procedure — no overnight hospital stay required

Minimally invasive option available for faster recovery

Gradual return to full activity over several months

High patient satisfaction rates for those who need surgery

Get answers and a clear plan — usually same day.

Andrew Yang, MD can evaluate your tennis elbow symptoms and discuss treatment options.

Why Choose OrthoMD for Tennis Elbow Treatment

Orthopedic Specialist–Led Care

Dr. Andrew Yang is a hand surgeon, board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery by ABOS, with hand and upper extremity fellowship training. Your care begins with an evaluation and treatment plan.

Upper Extremity Focus

Our practice focuses on conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow, and upper extremity, including tennis elbow.

Conservative First Approach

We always explore non-surgical treatments before recommending surgery. With 80–95% of tennis elbow cases resolving without an operation, most patients never need a procedure.

Two Convenient Locations

With offices in Fort Lee, NJ (Bergen County) and Bayside, NY (Queens), hand and upper extremity care is close to home — with same-day evaluations often available.

Related Conditions

Elbow, hand, and wrist conditions can share overlapping symptoms. If you're experiencing discomfort beyond tennis elbow, these related conditions may also be worth exploring:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — hand numbness, tingling, and weak grip Trigger Finger — finger clicking, catching, or locking De Quervain's Tenosynovitis — thumb-side wrist pain Cubital Tunnel Syndrome — elbow and ring/small finger numbness Golfer's Elbow — inner elbow pain with gripping and twisting

Learn more about our full range of orthopedic services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Get Back to What You Love?

Schedule an evaluation with Andrew Yang, MD — get a diagnosis and treatment plan, usually same day.

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