Elbow embolization is a highly effective treatment for tennis and pickleball elbow
Whether pickleball is your passion or your favorite place is the tennis court, it’s possible to experience pesky elbow pain. Known as tennis elbow or pickleball elbow, this injury is caused by repetitive use. Thankfully, relief is available in the form of elbow embolization.
At Summit Interventional Radiology, Preston Smith MD bridges the gap between medicine and surgery. Our Austin interventional radiologist offers highly effective nonsurgical alternatives to traditional surgery, including elbow embolization.
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that occurs due to the repetitive use of the elbow when playing tennis. As more people have started picking up pickleball, this condition is also showing up among these athletes.
When repetitive stress affects the elbow’s tendons and muscles, abnormal blood vessels form around the joint (angiogenesis).
- These new blood vessels appear as the body attempts to repair the damaged area.
- However, these new vessels can cause a lot of pain and discomfort.
Advances in modern medicine make it possible to treat tennis and pickleball elbow without the need for traditional surgery.
How does elbow embolization work?
Elbow embolization is a safe and effective nonsurgical treatment for tennis elbow. Our Austin interventional radiologist performs this minimally invasive procedure on an outpatient basis.
This advanced treatment can restore normal blood flow while reducing inflammation and pain in the elbow. The entire procedure takes about an hour and involves just a few steps.
- Dr. Smith uses imaging to guide a catheter through the patient’s bloodstream. The goal is to reach the abnormal arteries in the elbow.
- Once the catheter is in place, Dr. Smith blocks (embolizes) the blood flow from these abnormal vessels.
Embolization is clinically proven to significantly improve pain and inflammation. It can also increase both grip strength and range of motion in the elbow. An interventional radiology approach also offers several other benefits, as compared to traditional surgery.
- High success rates
- No hospitalization or general anesthesia
- No scars and fewer side effects
- A shorter recovery with minimal pain
- More affordable than traditional surgery
If tennis or pickleball elbow is keeping you out of the game, our Austin interventional radiologist can help. Dr. Smith is at the forefront of vascular and interventional radiology, offering a patient-first approach to care that can get you back on the court.
Summit Interventional Radiology is accepting new patients and offers convenient scheduling. Contact us to schedule an appointment and find relief from elbow pain.