Tennis Elbow Treatment in San Jose

You don’t need to play tennis to get tennis elbow. This common condition, also known as lateral epicondylitis, can affect anyone who uses their arms repetitively. If you’ve noticed a persistent ache in your elbow after a long day of typing, lifting, or gardening, you’re not alone. 

Tennis elbow develops when the tendons on the outer elbow become inflamed from overuse. It may lead to pain, weakness, and stiffness, making everyday tasks difficult.

At Resilience Orthopedics, Dr. Pamela Mehta works closely with busy professionals, parents, and active adults experiencing this discomfort. With a personalized and empathetic approach, she helps patients return to their routines with less pain and more confidence.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes, early signs, and effective ways to find relief and prevent recurrence.

What Causes Tennis Elbow? 

Repetitive Arm Movements

Tennis elbow develops when the tendons in your forearm are overworked. This strain is caused by:

• Poor technique in sports or workouts
• Repetitive tasks like typing or using tools
• Lifting or gripping with force over time

Weak Forearm and Shoulder Muscles

When your forearm, shoulder, or wrist muscles are weak, it puts extra pressure on your elbow tendons. This imbalance increases stress and the risk of injury over time.

Who’s at Risk?

You may be more likely to develop tennis elbow if you:

• Occasionally play racquet or throwing sports (like tennis or javelin) without proper technique
• Work in fields like construction, carpentry, or plumbing
• Perform repetitive gripping tasks daily, such as painting or gardening

Symptoms That May Worsen Without Proper Treatment

Lateral epicondylitis often begins as a mild ache on the outside of your elbow after repeated arm use. 

Without treatment, the pain may worsen and make daily tasks difficult. You may feel weakness or tenderness around the elbow. Other common symptoms may include a burning or aching sensation in the outer forearm, especially after repeated use. Stiffness in your elbow is also common, particularly when you wake up or after physical activity.

You might also notice a weaker grip, difficulty holding objects, or pain when twisting the forearm or moving the wrist. In some cases, it may also be uncomfortable to fully straighten your arm.

Symptoms that Mean it’s Time to See a Specialist

It may be time to see a specialist if:

• The pain has lasted more than six weeks
• You’re unable to move your elbow or wrist 
• Simple tasks like lifting, turning a doorknob, or typing are difficult
• The pain keeps getting worse or is present even at rest
• You notice swelling, redness, or a lump that wasn’t there before
• Home remedies like rest, ice, or over-the-counter medicine aren’t helping
• The pain feels different, sharper, or more intense than before
• The symptoms return every time you use your arm

Early care from a specialist like Dr. Mehta helps prevent long-term issues and gets you back to normal activities sooner.

Conservative Treatments for Tennis Elbow  

Home Remedies and Self-Care Options 

RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

• Resting your arm for a few days may reduce the inflammation. 
• Ice may reduce swelling. Apply it for 15–20 minutes a few times daily, using a towel to protect your skin. 
• A light compression wrap or elevating your arm may help with swelling.

Pain Relief

Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) may ease pain and inflammation.

Braces and Supports

A forearm strap may relieve pressure on the sore tendon during activity. Although some people find it uncomfortable if it presses on the painful area.

A wrist splint might also help by reducing strain on the muscles that connect to your elbow.

Physical Therapy and Its Role

Physical therapy is often the next step if home care isn’t enough. A therapist can guide you through strengthening exercises to support the healing of the affected tendons. 

These exercises may also improve blood flow to the area, which helps with long-term recovery.

Why Conservative Care Sometimes Isn’t Enough 

Rest, therapy, and bracing often help, but healing takes time. Sometimes, your symptoms may last for 6 to 12 months due to these reasons:

• The tendon may have structural changes that make recovery harder.
• You may struggle to rest or change how you move if you’re in physically demanding jobs or sports.
• Waiting too long to treat it can sometimes delay healing.

Advanced Tennis Elbow Treatments Available in San Jose 

If rest, bracing, or medication haven’t eased your tennis elbow pain, advanced, minimally invasive options are available. 

At Resilience Orthopedics, Dr. Pamela Mehta offers advanced treatments designed to address the root cause of stubborn tendon pain, without jumping straight to surgery.

Surgery is reserved for the most persistent cases, and even then, you’ll have expert support through every step.

PRP Therapy for Tennis Elbow

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses your blood to heal your damaged tendons. After drawing a small sample, we concentrate the platelets and inject them into the injured area. 

These growth factors may speed up recovery and reduce inflammation. PRP might be a good option if physical therapy and rest are ineffective.

Cortisone Shots

Cortisone shots may reduce pain and swelling, but they’re not a long-term fix. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits and drawbacks to help you decide:

Benefits:

• Fast relief, often within a few days
• It may improve movement and daily function

Drawbacks:

• Relief may reduce over time
• Repeated use may weaken tendons
• Possible side effects, like soreness or temporary changes in blood sugar

Minimally Invasive Procedures

When your recovery slows down, these gentle, non-surgical treatments may help your elbow heal:

• Needle Fenestration: A tiny needle is carefully guided into the tendon to promote natural healing.
• Ultrasonic Tenotomy (Tenex): Uses ultrasound and a gentle vibrating tip to break down and remove damaged tissue.
• Shock Wave Therapy: Sound waves are used to stimulate healing and reduce long-term pain.

Each procedure is done with local anesthesia, and you can return to normal activities with little to no downtime.

Surgery

Surgery is considered a last resort after 6 to 12 months of treatments that haven’t improved symptoms. The procedure involves removing damaged tissue and reattaching the healthy part of the tendon.

Types of Surgery:

• Open Surgery: A small incision is made to access and repair the tendon. This is usually an outpatient procedure.
• Arthroscopic Surgery: Tiny instruments are used through small incisions, causing less damage to the healthy tissues.

Dr. Mehta will walk you through every option and help you choose the one that best fits your needs, goals, and lifestyle.

Why Choose Our Orthopedic Clinic in San Jose? 

At Resilience Orthopedics, we’re proud to serve San Jose and nearby communities like Los Gatos, Sunnyvale, and more. 

We understand how challenging pain can be. That’s why we offer modern, minimally invasive treatments designed to ease your discomfort and help you recover faster.

Our clinic has advanced procedures, but what truly matters is how we listen to you. Together, we create a treatment plan that fits you as a person, not just your condition.

What to Expect at Your First Visit 

From the moment you arrive, you’ll get focused, one-on-one attention from Dr. Mehta. She listens closely, asks the right questions, and explains each step clearly.

You’ll get a detailed exam and, if needed, quick access to imaging. The goal is to diagnose efficiently while making sure nothing is overlooked. 

Dr. Mehta makes sure you never feel rushed and takes the time to answer every question, so you leave feeling informed and confident.

She also guides you through recovery and rehab so you leave with a full plan and clear next steps.

The Evaluation Process 

Your visit starts with a consultation and a physical exam. Most of the time, that’s all that’s needed. But if more information is needed, we may recommend:

• X-rays for fractures or joint issues
• MRI or ultrasound for soft tissue or tendon injuries
• Neck MRI if symptoms suggest the issue is related to the spine
• EMG (nerve test) to check for nerve compression

Building Your Treatment Plan Together

Your treatment plan is designed with your daily routine, activities, and goals in mind.

Dr. Mehta works with athletes, professionals, and people from all walks of life. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care. 

You’ll be part of the decision-making process every step of the way. We believe in working with you, not just on you. You’ll always know your options and have a say in your care.

Recovery Timeline 

Recovering from tennis elbow takes time and varies from person to person. Some people start feeling better within a few weeks, while others may take several months or longer to recover. 

Several factors affect your recovery, including:

• Your age and overall health
• Severity of the tendon injury
• How consistently do you follow your treatment plan
• Making changes to how you use your arm or tools

The tendon typically heals within six months to a year, although some discomfort may last longer.

Healing takes time, so be kind to yourself and stay consistent with rest, therapy, and the changes recommended for you. Dr. Mehta’s care doesn’t end with treatment. She is with you every step of the way, offering personalized rehab and lifestyle guidance to help you recover.

Prevention Strategies for Tennis Elbow 

Equipment Modifications 

Start with the right gear. Using equipment that suits your body and skill level helps prevent extra strain on your elbow.

If your racket or tools don’t feel comfortable, consider consulting a physiotherapist. They can check your setup and how you use your equipment, and then suggest helpful adjustments.

Here are some key things to keep in mind:

• Proper movement is just as important as the right equipment. Learning good techniques for sports and everyday tasks can help protect your arm.
• Swinging a racket or lifting a box requires good form to prevent injury.
• Always warm up gently before activities. Simple stretches prepare your muscles and reduce the risk of injury.

Strengthening Exercises 

Gentle exercises prevent tennis elbow from returning. They stretch and build the muscles around your elbow, helping your arm handle daily use without pain.

Wrist Extension Stretch

It eases tension and improves wrist flexibility before activities like gardening or golf. Follow these steps:

• Straighten your arm and bend your wrist like you’re signaling “stop.”
• Use your other hand to gently pull your palm toward you until you feel a stretch in your forearm.
• Hold for 15 seconds, repeat 5 times, then switch arms.
• Do this 4 times a day for 5 to 7 days.

Forearm Supination and Pronation 

This exercise strengthens the muscles that turn your palm up and down. Start without weight and do 30 slow reps once a day. If there’s no pain for two days, add a little weight (1 to 3 pounds).

Do the exercise in three stages:

• Bend your elbow 90 degrees, resting your forearm on a table.
• Straighten your elbow slightly, still supported.
• Fully straighten your arm and lift it off the table.

Repeat this 5 to 7 days a week.

Stress Ball Squeeze

To build your grip strength safely, follow these simple steps:

• Hold a soft rubber ball in your palm.
• Squeeze the ball as hard as possible and hold for 3 to 5 seconds.
• Relax your hand completely.
• Repeat this 10 times.
• Take a short break of about one minute and repeat with your other hand.

Activity Modifications

Living with tennis elbow means being mindful of local activities that might cause pain. Hiking, gardening, or working on the computer may affect your arm, but small changes can help it heal.

You can follow these tips:

• Break daily tasks into smaller parts with rest breaks to avoid overworking your elbow.
• Do gentle movements to maintain wrist and elbow flexibility and prevent stiffness.
• Maintain a healthy weight, as losing a few pounds may support tendon healing.
• Learn about your condition to reduce stress and better manage your recovery.
• Quit smoking since nicotine may worsen pain and slow healing.

These simple steps can make a big difference in your recovery and help you return to what you love.

Don’t Wait — Treat Tennis Elbow Early to Avoid Chronic Damage

We know how tough tennis elbow pain can be. But early treatment can make all the difference in your recovery; you don’t have to face it alone.

Don’t let tennis elbow hold you back. Contact Dr. Pamela Mehta in San Jose today to start your personalized treatment plan and get back to doing what you love.