At his Cedar City practice, Dr. Lex Allen brings over 15 years of orthopedic experience treating conditions like chronic tennis elbow with precision and compassion. A graduate of the University of Utah, Dr. Allen specializes in hand and upper extremity surgery and is known for educating his patients as much as treating them.
What Causes Chronic Tennis Elbow?
While the name may suggest a sports injury, this condition impacts a broad range of people. It begins as microscopic damage to the tendons in your forearm that anchor to the outside of your elbow.
Here are the most common contributors to ongoing elbow pain:
- Repetitive motion: Jobs or hobbies that involve gripping, lifting, or twisting can strain the tendons and muscles.
- Age-related wear: Most cases affect adults between the ages of 30 and 60, as tendons become more vulnerable.
- Delayed care: Ignoring symptoms or continuing the activity that caused the pain makes healing harder.
As these small tears accumulate, your body struggles to repair the damage. What started as inflammation evolves into degeneration, a gradual breakdown of tendon tissue.
When Should You Consider Advanced Treatment?
Many people try ice, rest, or braces at home to manage their pain. And sometimes, that works. However, chronic tennis elbow may require additional support from an orthopedic specialist, such as Dr. Allen.
You might benefit from advanced care if you notice:
- Persistent elbow pain for more than six weeks.
- Weak grip strength that interferes with daily activities.
- Pain that worsens despite rest and home treatment.
- Discomfort with simple actions like lifting a coffee mug or turning a doorknob.
If your pain continues despite at-home care, it’s a good idea to speak with Dr. Allen about your treatment options.
Why Conservative Treatment Sometimes Isn’t Enough
It’s natural to want to avoid surgery. But when the condition becomes chronic, tendon degeneration limits your healing potential.
Orthopedic care may include:
- Corticosteroid injections: To reduce inflammation in moderate cases.
- Physical therapy: To strengthen supporting muscles and reduce stress on the joint.
- PRP injections: Platelet-rich plasma can help stimulate healing in damaged tissue.
- Minimally invasive surgery: For cases unresponsive to non-surgical care.
These approaches are tailored to your specific symptoms, tendon health, and lifestyle. The goal is always to get you back to the activities you love.
Get Back to Pain-Free Living with Expert Elbow Care
Don’t let chronic tennis elbow keep you from enjoying your life. Call 435-586-6962 to schedule your evaluation and learn more about personalized elbow pain treatment options.
