Do you need expert elbow pain or injury care in Reading, PA? Dr. Michael Bercik of Lancaster Orthopedic Group is a renowned elbow doctor known for his dedication to delivering exceptional care and providing personalized treatment options to his patients. With a distinguished background, he has acquired extensive knowledge and experience in orthopedics. 

Dr. Bercik completed prestigious international fellowships in France and Australia, where he had the invaluable opportunity to train alongside renowned surgeons like Dr. Gilles Walch, a leading authority in shoulder and elbow medicine. Dr. Bercik’s commitment to advancing his field is evident through his contributions to medical literature, including multiple peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. When it comes to elbow injuries and conditions, Dr. Bercik is a highly regarded orthopedic surgeon, ready to provide the highest level of care to his patients.

What is Tennis Elbow? 

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is one of the most common elbow injuries. Despite its name, tennis elbow can affect anyone. It is characterized by inflammation and pain in the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow and occurs due to repetitive motions and overuse of the forearm muscles. Activities involving gripping, twisting, or repetitive arm movements can contribute to developing this condition. While athletes who play tennis or other racquet sports are prone to tennis elbow, it can also affect individuals involved in occupations that require repetitive forearm movements, such as plumbers, painters, and carpenters.

Tennis elbow symptoms include pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, which can radiate down the forearm. The pain may worsen with activities that involve gripping or lifting objects. It can also lead to weakness in the affected arm, making it challenging to perform daily tasks.

Treating Tennis Elbow 

When diagnosing tennis elbow, Dr. Bercik conducts a thorough examination, which may include reviewing your medical history, performing physical tests, and ordering imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a tailored treatment plan is developed based on the severity of the condition and the patient’s individual needs.

Non-surgical treatment options are usually the first line of approach for tennis elbow. Dr. Bercik may recommend conservative measures such as rest, activity modification, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Physical therapy may also be prescribed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the elbow joint, improve flexibility, and promote healing.

In cases where non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief, Dr. Bercik may consider more advanced options. These may include corticosteroid injections, which deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is another innovative treatment that utilizes a concentration of the patient’s blood platelets to stimulate healing and tissue regeneration.

In rare instances where conservative treatments fail to alleviate the symptoms and the condition significantly impacts the patient’s quality of life, Dr. Bercik may recommend surgical intervention. Elbow surgery for tennis elbow typically involves removing the damaged tissue and repairing or releasing the affected tendons. Dr. Bercik utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to minimize postoperative discomfort and facilitate a faster recovery.

Schedule a Consultation Today

At Lancaster Orthopedic Group, Dr. Bercik and his dedicated team are committed to providing compassionate care and unwavering support throughout your treatment. If you are a Reading, PA, resident experiencing symptoms of tennis elbow or any other elbow condition, don’t hesitate to call (866) 564-1000 or visit our website to schedule an appointment today.