If these do not produce the desired result, the physician may choose to begin a second line of therapy. Steroid injections can be made into the inflamed area. Although steroid injections are safe, they are usually limited to 2-3 times a year. More than that will weaken the tendon and make it more likely to rupture. If positive results are not seen with the first injection, additional injections are also unlikely to work.
Physical therapy involves different exercises to increase flexibility and strength.
These exercises are usually performed at home. Surgery involves a small incision over the elbow to trim the tendon or sometimes to release and then reattach the tendon to the bone. It can usually be performed in an outpatient procedure taking several hours. Candidates for surgery are usually those who have had symptoms for more than 6-12 months despite nonsurgical therapies. Several months of rehabilitation at home in working with a physical therapist are required and begin about 6 weeks after surgery.