Learn more about tennis elbow surgery

A number of tennis players suffer from tennis elbow which is very inconvenient and painful. Among the symptoms of tennis elbow are tenderness at the joints and weakening of the muscles which can make life difficult. Usually, doctors prescribe over the counter medicines such as NSAIDs that can address swelling and pain. Certain measures such as applying ice over the area can reduce swelling. Rest is a good idea to minimize further injury on the affected area. Tennis elbow surgery is the last option when all other interventions have failed to address the condition.

Reasons behind a tennis elbow surgery

Tennis elbow surgery is the last option especially is all the symptoms like pain and soreness persist for more than 6 months and all other methods have failed. Because of the condition, the person cannot normally perform daily activities that involves lifting and carrying objects. In many cases, doctors have administered corticosteroid injections but the person still feels pain. Tennis elbow surgery is the ultimate solution. There are two types of tennis elbow surgery, namely, traditional open surgery or arthroscopic surgery that uses special instruments to repair the tendons. Usually, an overnight stay at the hospital is required for full recovery. Local or general anesthesia can be applied based on the doctor’s advise. Arm movement is reduced and patient needs to be very relaxed.

Disadvantages of tennis elbow surgery

After tennis elbow surgery, you may feel certain loss of ability to straighten the arm. Sometimes, elbow pain is still experienced by the person.Like any surgery, there could be infection, blood loss or nerve damage. There are cases where anesthesia produces side effects. Surely, the muscles are not as strong as it was since damage has already occurred.

Recovery from tennis elbow surgery- If one wants to speed up healing from tennis elbow surgery, then the following suggestions are useful:

1. Quit smoking since this hampers the healing process of the wound
2. Undergo a physical rehabilitation program
3. Modify some activities or even temporarily stop from performing tasks that require the use of the arm.

Truly, tennis elbow surgery such be the last resort for a person with tennis elbow. It is a very invasive approach that comes with risks. Tennis elbow can be prevented by stretching and spacing break between practice days.