You use your elbows daily when playing sports, doing hobbies and working. That’s why elbow injuries, like medial epicondyle- also known as pitcher’s elbow, can be so frustrating.
Fortunately, a sports medicine doctor can help you with your condition. So, how do they treat pitcher’s elbow? Let’s find out.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Sports medicine doctors start with conservative treatment options when treating any elbow injury or condition. These methods are typically non-invasive and have a lower risk for complications.
Rest and Ice
Rest and ice application are among the most common conservative treatment options for pitcher’s elbow. Your sports medicine doctor will recommend taking a break from activities that may aggravate your condition. Continuous overuse and repetitive motion is what leads to this condition, so refraining from use can allow your elbow the necessary time to heal.
Icing your injured elbow can also help reduce pain and swelling in the inner side of your elbow. Ice your elbow for 20-30 minutes at a time, several times a day. Put a thin towel between the ice and your skin to prevent skin irritation.
Pain Medication
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medication to help manage pitcher’s elbow pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
If OTC medication doesn’t provide relief, your doctor may prescribe something more potent. Follow the dosage instructions carefully to avoid any adverse effects.
Physical Therapy
Your sports medicine doctor may coordinate with a physical therapist to help relieve your symptoms. Therapy can help strengthen the muscles around your elbow joint. It will also improve your range of motion that’s been impeded by pitcher’s elbow.
Corticosteroid Injections
If conservative treatments aren’t providing relief from pitcher’s elbow, your doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection. Your sports medicine doctor will inject a steroid medication into the affected area to reduce inflammation and pain.
A corticosteroid injection can provide relief for several weeks or months at a time. However, you may need more injections to manage your symptoms longer.
Surgical Treatment Options
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat pitcher’s elbow. Your doctor will recommend surgical procedures if conservative treatments haven’t provided relief.
Some surgeries used to treat pitcher’s elbow are:
Elbow Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure to treat various joint conditions. The surgeon will make a small incision in your skin and insert a tiny camera called an arthroscope.
The instrument allows them to see the inside of the elbow joint without damaging nearby healthy tissue. Once your doctor has a clear view, they can repair damage through other small incisions nearby.
Doctors can perform a variety of actions during an arthroscopy, including:
- Debridement – trimming or removing damaged tissue
- Capsule release – cutting the connective tissue around your elbow joint to improve range of motion
- Loose tissue removal – removing loose bone or cartilage fragments from your joint
Surgeons typically perform arthroscopy as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day.
Tommy John Surgery
Damage to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) often causes pitcher’s elbow. The ligament is a tissue band connecting the bones in your elbow joint. The UCL can tear from overuse, a common problem in pitchers.
Tommy John surgery is a procedure to repair a torn UCL. Your doctor removes damaged ligaments and replaces them with another tendon, which may come from another part of your body.
Recovery time from Tommy John surgery varies, but full recovery can take several months.
Sports Medicine Doctor in Maryland
Sports medicine doctors often recommend rest, ice therapy, pain medication and physical therapy for pitcher’s elbow. They may also suggest a corticosteroid injection if these treatments don’t provide relief. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat the condition.
Look no further than Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder if you are looking for a trusted sports medicine doctor in Maryland. We have highly experienced providers who can give you the best care you deserve. Call us at (410) 296-6232 or schedule a consultation with our easy-to-use appointment request form.
Additionally, trust us if you need a sports medicine doctor in Baltimore, Bel Air, Clarksville, Eldersburg, Lutherville, Pasadena or Westminster. We look forward to serving you!
