"The Leg Pain Clinic is amazing!! I walked out with less pain than I walked in with! Dr. Anwar is amazing and I love his bedside manner!! I didn't want another knee replacement surgery and now I don't have to get one!!"
Tennis Elbow & Golfer's Elbow
Image-guided embolization reduces elbow tendon inflammation and pain. No surgery, same-day recovery.
Treatable without surgery
Understanding your condition
Tennis Elbow & Golfer's Elbow explained
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are the same problem on opposite sides of the joint. Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer side of the elbow, and golfer's elbow on the inner side, where overused tendons become chronically inflamed. As the inflammation persists, new blood vessels grow into the tendon and sustain the pain, even after rest and therapy. Dr. Anwer, a Stanford Fellowship trained interventional radiologist, uses embolization to reduce this abnormal blood flow and relieve the pain without surgery, as an outpatient with no general anesthesia and same-day recovery.
Most patients return to normal activity within 24 to 48 hours, with full results in 4 to 8 weeks.
Dr. Anwer's approach
Dr. Anwer performs elbow embolization using X-ray guidance. A thin catheter is inserted through a pinhole in the wrist and guided to the small vessels feeding the inflamed tendon on the inner or outer elbow. Tiny particles reduce the abnormal blood flow driving the pain. Approximately 45 minutes, no general anesthesia.
Treatable without surgery
Key facts
Elbow embolization is performed as an outpatient procedure in about 45 minutes
Performed under X-ray guidance through a pinhole in the wrist
No general anesthesia and no hospital admission required
Treats both tennis elbow (outer) and golfer's elbow (inner)
Most patients walk out the same day after the procedure
Pain relief typically begins within two to four weeks
Covered by most major insurance plans when medically necessary
Treatment overview
Is this the right treatment for you?
Every patient is different. These four areas will help you understand whether Tennis Elbow & Golfer's Elbow treatment at LPVI is the right fit.
Who qualifies
Am I a good candidate?
Embolization is best suited to patients with tennis elbow or golfer's elbow that has lasted for months and not responded to conservative treatment. That usually means rest, bracing, physical therapy, or injections that helped for a while but stopped working. Good candidates are people whose elbow pain is limiting grip, lifting, work, or sport, and who want to avoid surgery. Many rely on their arms for their profession and want to avoid surgical downtime. Dr. Anwer reviews your case personally and will tell you honestly if he does not believe you are a good fit.
Common symptoms
Symptoms we treat
The symptoms we treat fall into two related patterns. Tennis elbow causes pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow that worsens with gripping, lifting, or straightening the wrist. Golfer's elbow causes similar pain on the inner side of the elbow, often with weakness in the grip. In both, the pain can radiate down the forearm and flare with everyday tasks like carrying bags or shaking hands. Many patients have had the pain for months. You do not need every symptom on this list. If elbow pain has not responded to conservative care, it is worth a conversation.
What to expect
The procedure
Elbow embolization is performed as an outpatient procedure under X-ray guidance. Dr. Anwer inserts a thin catheter through a pinhole in the wrist and navigates it to the small arteries feeding the inflamed tendon on the inner or outer elbow. Microscopic particles are then injected to reduce blood flow to those vessels. There is no surgical incision, no general anesthesia, and no hospital admission. The procedure typically takes about 45 minutes, and you go home the same day.
After treatment
Recovery and results
Most patients return to light activity the same day or the day after the procedure. Mild soreness at the wrist entry site is normal for a day or two. Pain relief is gradual rather than immediate: most patients begin noticing improvement within two to four weeks as inflammation decreases, with results continuing over the following weeks. Recovery varies with how long the inflammation has been present. Dr. Anwer follows up personally after the procedure.
Do any of these sound familiar?
Common symptoms
You do not need all of these. Even two or three are worth discussing with Dr. Anwer at your first consultation.
Pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow (tennis elbow)
Pain on the inner side of the elbow (golfer's elbow)
Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting, or straightening the wrist
Weakness in the grip or difficulty holding objects
Pain that radiates down the forearm
Elbow pain that has not responded to bracing, therapy, or injections
Our approach
How Dr. Anwer treats tennis elbow & golfer's elbow
Dr. Anwer performs elbow embolization using X-ray guidance. A thin catheter is inserted through a pinhole in the wrist and guided to the small vessels feeding the inflamed tendon on the inner or outer elbow. Tiny particles reduce the abnormal blood flow driving the pain. Approximately 45 minutes, no general anesthesia.
Consultation with Dr. Anwer, examination and diagnosis
Personalized embolization treatment plan, procedure date confirmed
Outpatient elbow embolization, about 45 minutes, same-day discharge
Follow-up with Dr. Anwer, progress reviewed over the following weeks
Why choose this approach
Minimally invasive vs conventional treatment
Conventional approach
Conventional treatment for tennis and golfer's elbow usually begins with rest, bracing, and physical therapy, then progresses to cortisone injections and, in stubborn cases, surgery. These treatments can help, but injections often provide only temporary relief and repeated use carries risks for the tendon, while surgery involves a meaningful recovery period that keeps you away from work and activity.
- Major surgery or invasive procedure
- General anesthesia required
- Hospital stay of 1 to 5 days
- Recovery of 4 to 12 weeks
Dr. Anwer's approach at LPVI
Dr. Anwer takes a different approach. Rather than repeatedly managing symptoms or operating, embolization targets the abnormal blood vessels that sustain the inflammation driving your pain, whether it sits on the inner or outer side of the elbow. It is performed through a pinhole under X-ray guidance, with no general anesthesia and same-day recovery. For patients who need their arms for work or sport, avoiding surgical downtime is a meaningful difference.
- Outpatient, no hospital admission
- Light sedation or local anesthesia
- Pinhole incision, no stitches
- Same-day or next-day recovery
Elbow pain is easy to dismiss until it stops you gripping a coffee cup or doing your job. Many of these patients have braced, rested, and had injection after injection with no lasting result. When someone tells me they can pick up their tools again, or play a round without their elbow flaring, that is the part of this work I value most.
Patient stories
What our patients are saying
5.0
Based on Google reviews
"Dr. Bilal very professional and awesome physician. My left knee pain went down from 9 to 3. Front staff, nurses, OR staff all were amazing and very professional."
"Brought my mother in law to get help with her knees. She literally could not walk. After procedure she walked to car with minimal discomfort. Each day is getting better and better. I rate the entire place 10 of 10."
"Fantastic doctor, very thorough, explained everything. Staff is outstanding!!! I first heard of them via Facebook and after looking more into it I saw they can treat shoulder pain too. I feel great after my procedure."
"Doctor Anwer and his staff is totally awesome, they are very kind and respectful. Dr. Anwer does amazing work. I love them all."
"Excellent staff and doctor! Excellent care and caring!!! I would recommend this clinic to anyone who is looking for a caring, professional medical team."
"My husband thinks very highly of the doctor. The entire experience from start to finish was professional and compassionate."
"Sabrena Cummings: Fantastic doctor very thorough explained everything. Staff is outstanding!!!"
"The Leg Pain Clinic is amazing!! I walked out with less pain than I walked in with! Dr. Anwar is amazing and I love his bedside manner!! I didn't want another knee replacement surgery and now I don't have to get one!!"
"Dr. Bilal very professional and awesome physician. My left knee pain went down from 9 to 3. Front staff, nurses, OR staff all were amazing and very professional."
"Brought my mother in law to get help with her knees. She literally could not walk. After procedure she walked to car with minimal discomfort. Each day is getting better and better. I rate the entire place 10 of 10."
"Fantastic doctor, very thorough, explained everything. Staff is outstanding!!! I first heard of them via Facebook and after looking more into it I saw they can treat shoulder pain too. I feel great after my procedure."
"Doctor Anwer and his staff is totally awesome, they are very kind and respectful. Dr. Anwer does amazing work. I love them all."
"Excellent staff and doctor! Excellent care and caring!!! I would recommend this clinic to anyone who is looking for a caring, professional medical team."
"My husband thinks very highly of the doctor. The entire experience from start to finish was professional and compassionate."
"Sabrena Cummings: Fantastic doctor very thorough explained everything. Staff is outstanding!!!"
FAQ
Common questions about Tennis Elbow & Golfer's Elbow
Elbow embolization is covered by most major insurance plans in Houston when tennis elbow or golfer's elbow has been confirmed and conservative treatments have not provided lasting relief. Our team at LPVI will verify your specific coverage and confirm prior authorization requirements before your consultation. Call us at 713-242-1139 and we will check your benefits and answer any questions about elbow pain treatment costs in Houston.
Recovery at LPVI is quick. Most patients go home the same day and return to light daily activity within 24 to 48 hours. Some mild soreness at the wrist entry site is possible for a day or two. Elbow pain improves progressively over two to four weeks as the treated vessels close and inflammation in the tendon settles, with results continuing over the following weeks.
They are the same type of condition on opposite sides of the joint. Tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outer side of the elbow, while golfer's elbow affects the inner side. Both are caused by chronic overuse and inflammation, and both are treated with the same embolization approach, which reduces the abnormal blood flow feeding the inflamed tendon. Dr. Anwer will examine you to confirm which side is affected and whether embolization is appropriate.
No referral is required to book a consultation at LPVI. You can call 713-242-1139 or request a callback and our team will schedule you directly. If you have recent elbow imaging, bring it or have it sent to us, as Dr. Anwer reviews every patient's case personally before recommending treatment. Same-week appointments are often available at both our Cy-Fair and Gulf Freeway locations.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, so you remain comfortable throughout. There is no surgical incision, only a pinhole at the wrist where the catheter is inserted. Most patients describe mild pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Afterward, some soreness at the entry site is normal for a day or two and is usually managed with over-the-counter medication.
Results are gradual rather than immediate. Most patients begin noticing improvement in elbow pain and grip within two to four weeks as inflammation decreases, with continued progress over the following weeks. Some patients respond faster and others more gradually, depending on how long the tendon has been inflamed. Dr. Anwer follows up personally to track your progress.
Coverage
We accept most major insurance plans
Dr. Bilal Anwer treats tennis elbow and golfer's elbow at two Houston-area locations: 11240 FM 1960 Rd W Suite 406, Houston TX 77065 in Cy-Fair, and 12825 Gulf Freeway, Houston TX 77034 near Webster and Clear Lake. Patients travel from Cypress, Jersey Village, Katy, Pearland, Friendswood, and across Greater Houston for minimally invasive elbow pain treatment. Most major insurance accepted including Medicare, BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Humana. No referral required. Same-day appointments available. Call 713-242-1139.
Take the next step
Ready to treat your elbow pain without surgery?
Speak with Dr. Anwer about your tennis elbow & golfer's elbow. Same-day appointments available. Most insurance accepted.
This information is not a medical diagnosis. A consultation with Dr. Anwer will confirm your treatment options. Individual results may vary.