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Understanding the Importance of Hand and Elbow Health
Whether it’s lifting groceries, typing at work, or enjoying a weekend game of tennis, our hands and arms play an essential role in nearly every part of daily life. When pain develops near the elbow, it can make even simple tasks, like pouring coffee or turning a doorknob, surprisingly difficult. One common cause of this discomfort is tennis elbow, a condition that affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow and can easily interfere with your routine and quality of life.
While its name suggests it happens only to athletes, tennis elbow can affect anyone whose work or hobbies involve repeated gripping, lifting, or twisting motions. At Regional Hand Center, patients across Fresno, Visalia, and Merced turn to a trusted team of specialists dedicated to restoring comfort, strength, and mobility for every individual.
Common Causes and Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, occurs when the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow become irritated or damaged due to overuse. This often happens after repetitive activities that involve the forearm muscles, whether from swinging a racket, lifting, or typing over long periods.
Typical symptoms include tenderness or burning pain on the outer part of the elbow, discomfort when gripping or lifting objects, and sometimes weakness in the wrist or hand. The pain can develop gradually, starting mildly and becoming more noticeable during daily activities.
Although this condition can be frustrating, it is very treatable. The key is recognizing the symptoms early and giving your arm the proper care it needs to heal.
Personalized Care at Regional Hand Center
At Regional Hand Center, patients benefit from a highly skilled team of board-certified surgeons and experienced providers who understand the delicate structure and function of the hand, wrist, and elbow. The goal is always to relieve pain, restore movement, and help patients return to their normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.
Treatment for tennis elbow is typically conservative at first, focusing on rest from aggravating activities, the use of ice, and sometimes a supportive brace to reduce strain on the tendon. Many people see improvement through a guided program of hand therapy in Merced, carpal tunnel and tendon care in Visalia, or structured strengthening sessions in Fresno. The regional locations make ongoing care convenient, ensuring patients can receive specialized treatment close to home.
If pain persists despite these measures, the specialists at Regional Hand Center can recommend additional options such as injections, focused physical therapy, or, only when needed, a minimally invasive surgical procedure to repair the damaged tendon tissue. Every treatment plan is personalized, ensuring patients receive the right approach for their condition and lifestyle.
Meet the Skilled and Caring Team
Regional Hand Center is home to a team of compassionate experts dedicated to helping you regain full use of your hand and arm.
Dr. Randi A. Galli, MD, FACS, founded the practice with a vision of combining surgical excellence with genuine patient care. With decades of specialized experience, Dr. Galli focuses on advanced surgical techniques and customized treatment plans.
Dr. Ricardo Avena, MD, FACS, brings deep expertise in both complex and minimally invasive hand and elbow procedures. His experience in microsurgery allows patients to achieve better outcomes with less downtime.
Dr. Isobel Santos, MD, FACS, provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages, using both non-surgical and surgical approaches to restore comfort and mobility. Each physician is dedicated to helping patients overcome pain, regain confidence, and get back to the activities they love most.
Receiving Care Close to Home
Finding expert care shouldn’t mean long drives or travel away from your community. With convenient offices in Fresno, Visalia, and Merced, patients throughout the region can receive specialized hand and elbow treatment without delay. Whether you’re seeking a hand surgeon in Fresno for chronic pain or need therapy for tennis elbow in Visalia, Regional Hand Center offers accessible, high-quality care where you live and work.
Taking the First Step Toward Relief
You don’t have to live with ongoing elbow pain. If your symptoms interfere with work, sports, or daily activities, or if pain continues after several weeks of rest and home care, it’s time to see a specialist. Warning signs such as swelling, numbness, or weakness in your hand, or difficulty gripping objects, should be evaluated promptly by a qualified hand or elbow surgeon.
Our team at Regional Hand Center can confirm the diagnosis, guide a safe and effective recovery plan, and provide advanced treatment options when needed. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our contact page.
If hand or elbow pain is keeping you from doing what you love, our caring specialists at Regional Hand Center are here to help. With expert providers and convenient locations in Fresno, Visalia, and Merced, you can feel confident you are in the best hands. Contact us today to schedule your visit and take the first step toward comfort and recovery.
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