Recovery From Surgery for Elbow Tendonitis
Elbow tendonitis--inflammation of the elbow tendons--typically occurs on the inside or outside of the elbow. "Common forms of tendonitis are tennis elbow, golfers elbow or little league elbow," explains the Cleveland Clinic. Sometimes surgery is necessary to cure it.
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Surgery
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Surgery is not a common treatment for elbow tendonitis. "Surgery is only required in less than 10 percent of cases," according to Sportsinjurybulletin.com. It should only be considered after having exhausted conservative treatments.
Effectiveness
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The University of Washington explains that surgery "can provide long-lasting relief." Sportsinjurybulletin.com seconds this opinion. The patient must participate in the subsequent physical therapy program for this to happen, however.
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Recovery
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Elbow tendonitis surgeries are performed on an out-patient basis. Typically, the treated arm is placed in a sling right after surgery to ensure that the patient is comfortable and to reduce swelling. Pain medication is prescribed to help deal with pain. "A combination of short and long acting medications can be very effective," according to the University of Washington.
Physical Therapy
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Depending upon your doctor's assessment of your particular surgery, expect to start a physical therapy program involving basic stretching exercises somewhere between one to two weeks after surgery. Your splint will be removed and full range of motion will be restored. Avoid strenuous exercise for six to eight weeks.
Daily Activity
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You may return to your regular daily activities two to three weeks after surgery, but use the other arm. Try to keep your operated arm as still as possible to avoid delays in healing. Count on it taking up to six months before you can regain full use of your arm. You may have to wait up to a month before driving your car.
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