The most common complaints are pain and weakness on the outside of the elbow with lifting or holding objects. Patients who have tennis elbow often times have never played tennis. Early treatment includes use of a tennis elbow strap on the forearm as well as ice and therapy exercises. Cortisone shots into the origin of the tendons at the elbow is very effective at reducing the pain of tennis elbow. If the brace, therapy, and shots are not effective at eliminating the pain, then surgery can often times relieve the symptoms.
Trigger finger is caused by swelling and inflammation of the flexor tendons in the palm of the hand.
Occasionally trigger fingers may become locked in a flexed position. Initial treatment includes a cortisone injection around the inflamed tendon to reduce swelling. If the problem persists after a few injections, then surgery may be indicated to release the trigger finger.