Elbow Pain
Are You Experiencing Elbow Pain as a Result of a Sudden Injury or Chronic Usage?
The orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine experts at Westchester Sport and Spine are here to help you with your elbow pain no matter how mild or severe. With 40 years of combined experience diagnosing elbow pain and treating elbow injuries, the fellowship trained specialists at Westchester Sport and Spine provide you with the highest level of care for surgical and non-surgical elbow procedures.
About Your Elbow
Your elbow is one of the most widely used joints in the human body. The elbow consists of bones, tendons and joints that allow for the extension (straightening) and flexion (bending) of the arm.
The humerus (upper arm bone) and the two bones in your forearm (ulnar and radius) comprise the elbow joint. Surrounding each of the bones are tendons, ligaments and muscles that bind the elbow joint together. This complex combination of soft tissues makes the elbow joint a common site for injury.
Common Causes of Elbow Pain
Injuries of the elbow joint may result in pain and can be accompanied by inflammation or swelling of the area.
Most elbow pain is caused by a sudden impact (such as a sprain, strain or fracture) or repetitive stress (any activity that involves repetitive arm, wrist or hand movements). It can be an acute injury (which lasts for no more than six weeks) or a chronic condition (which lasts for more than six weeks).
To be certain of the cause of your elbow pain, be sure to contact the orthopedic doctors and sports medicine experts at Westchester Sport and Spine for specific diagnosis of your elbow pain.
Commonly Treated Elbow Conditions
The elbow, like the ankle and knee, is a hinge joint connecting limbs to the body. The elbow is most vulnerable to injury from repetitive movements and overuse. The athlete and the office worker may both suffer from elbow pain caused by stressful positions and movements. Elbow pain might refer to areas in the shoulder, upper arm, forearm, wrist, or hands. Read on to learn more about the most common elbow conditions treated at our office.
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Nerve damage caused by an overextension of or extreme pressure place on the ulnar nerve.
- Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture: The breaking of the tendon from the arm bone caused by extreme overextension or trauma.
- Elbow Arthritis: Swelling, pain, and stiffness specific to the elbow.
- Elbow Dislocation: A total or partial dislocation of the elbow joint, usually after the patient falls on an outstretched hand.
- Elbow Fracture: A break in the elbow bone following trauma.
- Elbow Sprain: Swelling, tearing, or breaking of the elbow tendons caused by trauma.
- Golfer’s Elbow: Swelling, tearing, or breaking of tissues where forearm muscles meet the elbow. Also known as Medial Epicondylitis.
- Tennis Elbow: Swelling, tearing, or breaking of tissues where forearm muscles meet the outer elbow. Also known as Lateral Epicondylitis.
- Osteochondritis Dissecans: Painful swelling in the joint caused by bone weakened by a lack of blood.
- Olecranon Bursitis: An inflammation of the tissues protecting the elbow bone.
Elbow Pain Treatment Options
Treatment for elbow pain can vary depending on the cause of the pain.
Most elbow conditions and injuries are effectively treated conservatively with medications, splinting, bracing, injections and therapy. More often than not, surgery is not necessary to treat your elbow pain.
If surgical intervention is necessary, the orthopedic doctors sports medicine specialists and surgeons with Westchester Sport and Spine are experts in the latest minimally invasive procedures.
The main treatment options for your elbow pain include:
- Anti-inflammatories
- Immobilization or bracing
- Painkillers
- Using ice packs
- Ultrasound-guided injections
- Antibiotics
- Rest
- Physical therapy
- Steroid Injections
- Surgery (in some cases)
Call Us Immediately
If your elbow pain is caused by an injury and is accompanied by any of the symptoms below, please call Westchester Sport and Spine immediately and then ask someone to drive you to our clinic.
- Your elbow appears deformed
- Inability to extend or flex your arm
- Extreme bruising
- Intense pain
- Sudden swelling