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I am the poster child for TE...otherwise known as Lateral Epicondylitis. Actually got it from playing tennis...haha. Went about two years with the pain. Could not hold a cup of coffee, open doors etc. I think Docs take the least-cost approach first. Rest, ice, anti-inflammatories, braces, special stretching exercises with the rubber band, etc, etc, etc.
Then three cortisone shots...temporary relief only...eventually came back. Then went 10 weeks on PT where they rub some sh*t on it and use an electronic device to enhance the effect ($25 bucks a session). Nothing worked and it just kept coming back. Finally demanded the surgery. Had it done and it took about 6 months before it was back to normal. What happens is... with over use, the tendon gets frayed (like a worn rope). The tendon fibers rub against the muscle and the bone creating inflammation and scar tissue. The surgeon will remove these fibers to smooth out the tendon. They may even shave some bone so the tendon slides easier. Small scar left...about an inch and a quarter. Should never have waited so long before getting the surgery. IMO, it's the only long term solution. Get it done...the sooner the better. Good luck!
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