Dr. Li treats tennis elbow with targeted care that reduces pain and restores strength. Get expert diagnosis and proven treatment for lasting relief.

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is an elbow injury that occurs as a result of overuse, most commonly from playing tennis. The pain associated with this condition affects the lateral epicondyle, the area where the forearms’ tendons connect with the bony outer portion of the elbow. While tennis elbow typically affects adults aged 30 to 50, anyone who continually stresses their wrists is at a higher risk of developing this condition.

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Symptoms Of Tennis Elbow

The symptoms of tennis elbow affect the inside of the elbow, and may include some of the following:

Forearm weakness
Pain when the wrist is extended
Pain during various activities, such as turning a doorknob
Pain that spreads from the outside of the elbow into the forearm and wrist

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Diagnosing Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is usually diagnosed by examining the affected elbow and reviewing the patient’s medical history. To assess pain, pressure may be applied to the elbow. In some cases, x-rays may be done to rule out other conditions that may be responsible for causing elbow pain.

Treatment For Tennis Elbow

In many cases, tennis elbow heals on its own within two years. Initial pain can often be managed with rest, ice and over-the-counter medicine. Cases that don’t respond to these measures may require additional treatment, in the form of physical therapy, orthotics, or cortisone injections. Severe, persistent cases of tennis elbow may require surgery; however the surgery called TENEX Fast procedure is minimally invasive and uses Ultrasound guided imaging.

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Preventing Tennis Elbow

To prevent tennis elbow from occurring, certain preventive measures can be taken. Individuals participating in sports should train sufficiently beforehand to strengthen the muscles around the elbow and wrist. It is important to keep the wrist straight during all lifting activities, including weightlifting, so that the stronger muscles of the upper arm do most of the work. Stretching exercises before and after use of the wrist can also minimize the occurrence of tenniselbow. Dr. Li is the only orthopedist using the Tenex Fast procedure to treat tendon injuries in McLean county.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, happens when tendons in the elbow become irritated from overuse. It causes pain on the outer side of the arm. Dr. Li treats tennis elbow with care plans that reduce pain and restore arm strength and function.

Repeated wrist or arm motions strain the forearm tendons. This can happen in sports, work, or daily tasks. Dr. Li helps patients identify the movements causing stress and provides exercises and treatment to relieve tennis elbow pain and prevent it from returning.

Pain starts on the outside of the elbow and may spread down the forearm. Simple actions like lifting, gripping, or turning a doorknob can hurt. If pain lasts, Dr. Li can confirm a tennis elbow diagnosis and guide you toward quick recovery.

Dr. Li begins with a physical exam and a review of your daily activities. He may use X-rays or imaging to rule out other causes. Once diagnosed, he creates a personalized tennis elbow treatment plan to relieve pain and restore strength.

Yes. Most people recover with rest, therapy, and medication. Ice, stretching, and activity changes often help. Dr. Li focuses on non-surgical tennis elbow treatments first to ease pain and build muscle endurance safely.

Surgery is only needed when symptoms persist after months of therapy. Dr. Li performs minimally invasive procedures to remove damaged tissue and relieve pressure. His tennis elbow surgery approach restores movement and reduces long-term discomfort.

Recovery varies but often takes weeks to months. Therapy strengthens the forearm while rest allows healing. Dr. Li tracks each step of your progress and adjusts your tennis elbow recovery plan for the best results.

Playing through pain can slow healing. Rest and therapy are key. Once symptoms improve, Dr. Li helps athletes return safely with guided exercises and form correction. His sports injury care keeps performance high and re-injury risk low.

Both cause elbow pain but affect different tendons. Tennis elbow affects the outer elbow, while golfer’s elbow affects the inner side. Dr. Li distinguishes between the two and provides the right treatment for each condition.

Warm up before activity and strengthen your forearm muscles. Use proper form during sports or work. Take breaks to avoid overuse. Dr. Li teaches prevention strategies that protect your elbow tendons and keep you active and pain-free.

Orthopedic & shoulder center is proud to serve patients in bloomington, normal, mclean county, champaign, peoria, and central illinois.

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