Tennis Elbow Treatment in Raleigh, NC: Non-Surgical & Surgical Options

Tennis elbow — despite its name — affects far more office workers, tradespeople, and weekend athletes than it does tennis players. It is one of the most common causes of elbow pain we see at our Raleigh hand and elbow surgery practice, and the good news is that the vast majority of cases resolve with non-surgical treatment.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, known medically as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow (the lateral epicondyle). Repeated gripping, lifting, or wrist extension motions cause microtears in the tendons over time, leading to pain, inflammation, and in chronic cases, tendon degeneration.

Despite the "itis" in its medical name, research has shown that tennis elbow is often less an inflammatory condition and more a degenerative one — meaning the tendon tissue itself has broken down from chronic overload.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

• Pain or burning on the outer side of the elbow
• Pain that worsens when gripping, lifting, or using the wrist
• Weak grip strength
• Pain when shaking hands or turning a doorknob
• Discomfort that radiates down the forearm toward the wrist
• Morning stiffness in the elbow

Symptoms typically develop gradually and may worsen over weeks to months without treatment. The dominant arm is more commonly affected, though both arms can be involved.

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

Contrary to its name, only a small percentage of tennis elbow cases occur in tennis players. Common causes include:

• Repetitive gripping tasks — carpentry, plumbing, painting, cooking
• Computer work — extended keyboard and mouse use with poor ergonomics
• Racquet sports — especially with poor technique or an ill-fitted racquet
• Weightlifting — particularly exercises involving wrist extension
• Manual labor — jobs requiring repeated lifting or tool use

Age is also a factor — tennis elbow is most common between ages 35 and 55, when tendon tissue is less resilient to repetitive stress.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Approximately 80–90% of patients with tennis elbow improve with non-surgical treatment. We always begin with conservative care and progress from there if needed.

Rest and Activity Modification

Reducing or temporarily stopping the activities that aggravate symptoms gives the tendon time to settle. This does not mean complete immobilization — gentle movement is beneficial — but avoiding the specific motions that cause pain is important early on.

Physical Therapy and Eccentric Exercises

A structured physical therapy program focusing on eccentric strengthening exercises — where the muscle lengthens under load — has strong evidence for improving tennis elbow. A therapist can also address grip mechanics and any contributing factors in posture or technique.

Counterforce Brace

A tennis elbow strap worn just below the elbow can reduce strain on the tendon during activity. It is not a cure, but it can allow you to continue working or exercising with less pain while the tendon heals.

Corticosteroid Injection

A cortisone injection into the area around the lateral epicondyle can provide significant short-term pain relief. It is useful for calming a severe flare-up and allowing therapy to begin. However, repeated cortisone injections are generally not recommended, as they can weaken tendon tissue over time.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injection

Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses a concentrated preparation of your own blood platelets — which contain growth factors — injected directly into the degenerated tendon to promote healing. PRP has shown promising results for chronic tennis elbow that has not responded to other treatments, and it is an option we offer at our Raleigh practice. It is particularly appropriate for patients who want to avoid surgery or have not responded well to cortisone injections.

When Is Surgery Needed for Tennis Elbow?

Surgery is considered when symptoms have persisted for 6–12 months despite consistent non-surgical treatment. Only a small minority of patients — approximately 5–10% — ultimately require surgery.

The procedure for tennis elbow involves removing the degenerated portion of the tendon and reattaching healthy tendon tissue to the bone. It is performed as an outpatient procedure, and most patients begin rehabilitation within a few weeks of surgery.

Recovery after tennis elbow surgery typically takes 3–6 months to return to full strength and activity. Most patients report significant improvement in pain and function after surgical treatment of refractory tennis elbow.

Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer's Elbow — What's the Difference?

A common question we hear is how tennis elbow differs from golfer's elbow. The key distinction is location:

• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) — pain on the outside of the elbow, where the forearm extensor tendons attach
• Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) — pain on the inside of the elbow, where the forearm flexor tendons attach

Both conditions are treated in our Raleigh hand and elbow practice, and the approach to treatment is similar — conservative care first, with surgery reserved for cases that do not respond.

See a Raleigh Elbow Specialist — No Referral Needed

If you have been dealing with elbow pain for more than a few weeks, it is worth getting a proper evaluation. Many patients with tennis elbow have been managing their pain on their own for months before seeking specialist care — and most find that a targeted treatment plan makes a significant difference quickly.

We offer same-day appointments for elbow pain in Raleigh, Cary, Holly Springs, and Wake Forest. No referral is required.

Call (919) 781-5600 or book online to schedule your evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennis Elbow

How long does tennis elbow take to heal?

With appropriate treatment, most cases of tennis elbow improve within 6–12 months. Cases that are caught early and treated consistently tend to resolve faster. Chronic or severe cases may take longer or require more advanced treatment such as PRP or surgery.

Should I keep playing sports with tennis elbow?

It depends on the severity of your symptoms. Mild cases may allow continued activity with a counterforce brace and modified technique. Severe cases may require a rest period. Your hand surgeon can advise you based on your specific situation.

Does PRP really work for tennis elbow?

Clinical studies have shown PRP to be effective for chronic tennis elbow that has not responded to conservative treatments, with results comparable to surgery in some studies. It is particularly useful for patients who want to avoid an operation. Results develop gradually over 2–3 months after the injection.

Is tennis elbow the same as arthritis?

No. Tennis elbow is a tendon condition, not a joint condition. However, elbow arthritis can coexist with tennis elbow and should be ruled out with imaging if symptoms do not fit the typical pattern.