Arthritis vs. Tennis Elbow: How to Tell the Difference

Unexplained chronic elbow pain can be baffling, but getting to the bottom of it means getting the right treatment to bring relief. Arthritis and tennis elbow are two common causes of elbow pain, and it’s best to visit a specialist to determine if one of these conditions is responsible for your pain.

The good news is that regardless of whether arthritis or tennis elbow is the culprit, regenerative medicine can help. The team at Dr. Stem Cell in greater Los Angeles, California, provides the latest therapies to treat a range of orthopedic issues, such as arthritis and tennis elbow.

Understanding arthritis in the elbow

Elbow arthritis develops when there’s age-related wear and tear or damage to the cartilage of the elbow. If you have elbow arthritis, you may have swelling, pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion that limits some of your daily activities. 

The most common types of arthritis in the elbow are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs due to long-term wear and tear, and this risk increases with age. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects ​​the tissue that lines your joints, and it can strike at any age.

Tennis elbow isn’t just for athletes

This condition doesn't just affect tennis players. It results from overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, leading to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. People who engage in repetitive arm and wrist activities are at a higher risk of developing it. 

Common tennis elbow symptoms include forearm weakness, pain that worsens with gripping or lifting objects, and difficulty performing tasks that involve twisting the forearm (opening jars).

Cellular therapy for elbow pain

Cellular therapy stimulates the body's own regenerative capabilities. It involves injecting stem cells into the affected area of the elbow. 

Stem cells have the remarkable ability to develop into various types of tissues, such as tendons, cartilage, and muscle, which are often involved in issues that cause elbow pain. Cellular therapy not only eases pain, but also addresses the root cause of the discomfort. 

By helping damaged tissue regenerate and reducing inflammation, this procedure can provide a more long-term solution compared to conventional treatments. In some cases, cellular therapy can reduce the need for surgery. 

Platelet-rich plasma for elbow pain

Platelets are a component of blood that play a critical role in healing. They release growth factors that promote tissue repair and regeneration. When concentrated in the form of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), these platelets enhance the body’s natural healing processes. 

PRP therapy is an innovative treatment for orthopedic pain. It involves extracting a small sample of your blood and processing it to concentrate the platelets, creating a solution we inject at the site where your body needs help with repair. 

PRP therapy is particularly beneficial for injuries to tendons, ligaments, and muscles around the elbow, which are common sources of pain and discomfort. Leukocyte-enriched PRP preparations are shown to significantly improve tennis elbow, according to a clinical review published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.  

If you're experiencing elbow pain, it's essential to get an accurate diagnosis. Consider regenerative medicine if you’ve tried traditional approaches without adequate relief or are seeking an alternative solution. To determine if you’re a candidate for these therapies, contact our clinic to request a consultation.