Elbow Pain Specialist

What causes elbow pain?

Your elbow is a hinge joint between your humerus, ulna, and radius. The joint is held together with a network of ligaments and tendons that allow you to bend and rotate your arm. You use your elbows all the time, which increases your vulnerability to various injuries and degenerative conditions. 

Some of the most common causes of elbow pain include repetitive use injuries, such as medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), nerve entrapment, and bursitis. Your pain could also stem from acute injuries, including fractures, dislocations, and sprains. 

You can also develop osteoarthritis in your elbow. As age and repetitive use wear away the cartilage that protects the ends of your bones, the tissue can become irritated, painful, and stiff. 

When should I talk to a doctor about elbow pain?

It’s never a good idea to ignore pain. You can try to manage mild elbow pain at home with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if your elbow pain persists or gets worse, you should make an appointment at Bluewater Orthopedics. 

The team of experienced orthopedic surgeons also offers care for acute elbow injuries sustained during sports activity, automobile collisions, or slip-and-fall accidents.

How is the cause of elbow pain diagnosed?

The specialists at Bluewater Orthopedics begin with a thorough exam, checking your elbow for visible or palpable signs of injury or deformity. They ask about your injury and symptoms and review your medical history and lifestyle. 

When necessary, your physician orders diagnostic imaging studies, such as X-rays and MRIs, to see the inside of your elbow. You may also need electromyography to identify nerve damage. This helps confirm your diagnosis and determine the best treatment to heal your joint and relieve your pain. 

How is elbow pain treated?

Your orthopedist creates a treatment plan to address your individual needs. The team often begins with a conservative approach, combining rest, immobilization, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication.

If your injury is severe or doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, the orthopedic surgeons at Bluewater Orthopedics can perform surgery to repair your elbow. 

Call Bluewater Orthopedics today or make an appointment online if elbow pain is keeping you from your regular activities.