Pickleball is currently the fastest-growing sport in the US. Because of this popularity, doctors are seeing patients dealing with all types of pickleball injuries. One of the more common pickleball injuries is often called ‘tennis elbow’ or tendonitis of the elbow. Because pickleball and tennis are so similar, players usually deal with the same injuries.
Our very own Dr. Tom Nabity was recently interviewed to discuss ‘tennis elbow’ and some everyday treatment options individuals can take advantage of to help treat this prevalent yet frustrating condition.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a form of tendonitis in the elbow. It often causes pain just over the elbow bone and results from the tendon starting to separate from the bone. Without treatment, this condition can lead to more severe injuries, such as bone spurs.
Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow
In a recent interview, Dr. Nabity talks with a Clinton Township, MI, pickleball player dealing with tennis elbow. He details the many treatment options available for those suffering from this condition. Dr. Nabity and his Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine team always recommend the least invasive treatment option possible. Below are several options for individuals who are dealing with chronic elbow pain due to sports injuries:
- Rest and Proper Stretching – Avid pickleball players may not want to follow this advice, but rest and stretching are essential to help prevent tennis elbow. If you begin to have elbow pain due to pickleball, it may be time to rest for a short period. In addition, stretching is essential before each pickleball session, but more importantly, stretching after is critical to preventing this type of elbow injury. Also, keep in mind that if the pain goes away it does not mean that you should stop stretching and resting adequately. It simply means that the treatment options you’re using are working!
- Injections – Several injections can be used to treat elbow pain. Cortisone injections are one of the oldest injections used to treat elbow pain. Still, they’re starting to fall out of favor because they often mask the pain instead of solving the underlying issues. Modern injection options include regenerative medicine injections such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma), prolotherapy, stem cell treatments, exosomes, and peptides. If you’d like to learn more about any of these regenerative medicine treatment options, contact the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine today at (248) 216-1008.
- Surgery – While a last resort for most patients, surgery can be necessary in certain severe cases. At The Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine, we work to exhaust all of the minimally invasive treatment options before recommending surgery for any of our patients.
Dealing With Tennis Elbow Pain Due to Pickleball? Contact The Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine Today!
Dr. Tom Nabity and his team at The Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine are experts in treating chronic sports injuries such as tennis elbow. To learn more about preventing and treating tennis elbow and other pickleball injuries, contact our office today at (248) 216-1008.