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Elbow Tendonitis Surgery in Southern California

Elbow tendonitis surgery treats damage to muscles and tendons of the elbow joint, which can include recurring or chronic inflammation. Tendons attach your forearm muscles to the bones in your elbow. During elbow tendonitis surgery, a hand or orthopedic surgeon removes damaged tissue and reattaches healthy tendon and muscle tissue to bone.

The orthopedic surgeons at Dignity Health Southern California can help whether you’re dealing with restricted movement or pain. We offer high-quality diagnostic, surgical, and rehabilitation care — including the latest minimally invasive elbow surgery procedures — from board-certified surgeons, doctors, therapists, and nurses. 

Find a Doctor who specializes in elbow tendonitis surgery in Southern California at one of our local hospitals.

Do I Need Elbow Tendonitis Surgery?

The two major types of elbow tendonitis — medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) — are caused by overuse. Tendonitis usually responds to over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory medicines or simply ice and rest. If these conservative treatments do not work, corticosteroid shots directly into the inflamed area may also help.

Elbow surgery is recommended for tendonitis that recurs, is severe, or does not respond to other treatments after six months to a year.

What to Expect from Surgery for Elbow Tendonitis Treatment

Elbow tendonitis surgery may take place in a Dignity Health Southern California hospital or an outpatient surgery center. If a minimally invasive approach is an option for you, you may have a smaller incision, less pain, fewer complications, and a faster recovery than with open surgery.

Recovering from Elbow Tendonitis Surgery at Dignity Health Southern California

If you have an inpatient procedure, you will spend some time in the hospital after your surgery. For outpatient procedures, you will go home the same day. Full recovery can take several weeks to months, depending on the extent of your surgery. Physical therapy will help you recover. You may also need to wear an elbow splint to keep your elbow in place as it heals.

Your physical therapist will teach you strategies for preventing future problems, including:

  • Mixing up your activities
  • Improving your technique
  • Taking time to stretch after exercising 

Strengthening your forearm muscles is key to preventing elbow tendonitis from recurring. 

Dignity Health provides open and minimally invasive elbow tendonitis surgery in Southern California.