Elbow pain can disrupt daily activities and make even simple tasks, like lifting a cup or typing, feel challenging. Whether you have been dealing with discomfort for a few weeks or just started feeling pain in your elbow, understanding when to consult an elbow specialist is crucial to finding relief and regaining mobility.
Let us discuss when it is time to seek professional care from an elbow specialist and what elbow treatments are available.
Common Causes of Elbow Pain
Elbow pain can originate from various causes. Here are some of the most common conditions that require specialized care.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
This condition occurs from repetitive motions of the arm and wrist, often related to activities like typing or sports. It leads to pain on the outside of the elbow and weakened grip strength.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Similar to tennis elbow, a golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inside of the elbow due to repetitive stress. This condition is common in people who do activities that involve gripping or swinging motions.
Elbow Bursitis
This condition, also known as olecranon bursitis, involves swelling at the tip of the elbow due to inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac). Causes can include trauma, prolonged pressure, or infections.
Elbow bursitis treatment usually involves rest, ice, and in some cases, removal of fluid buildup or antibiotics.
Arthritis in the Elbow
Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to chronic elbow pain. Symptoms include stiffness, swelling, and difficulty moving the elbow joint.
Elbow Fractures or Injuries
Elbow fractures from falls or sports injuries require immediate medical attention. Failure to see an elbow specialist quickly can lead to poor healing and long-term complications.
Signs That You Should See an Elbow Specialist
You should consider scheduling an appointment with an elbow specialist if you experience any of the following.
1. Severe Pain and Swelling
If you have intense pain, swelling, and bruising around your elbow, it could indicate a more severe injury or condition that requires urgent attention.
2. Difficulty Moving Your Arm
Trouble moving your elbow or turning your arm from palm up to palm down and back again may suggest structural damage to the joint.
3. Persistent Pain
If your elbow pain does not improve with home care strategies such as rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), it might be time to consult an elbow specialist.
4. Pain During Rest
Discomfort that occurs even when you are not using your elbow may suggest an underlying issue that requires further examination.
5. Visible Deformity or Severe Injury
An unusual angle or deformation of the elbow after an injury, especially when accompanied by a snap or cracking sound, should be evaluated immediately.
Why Timely Treatment Matters
Ignoring persistent elbow pain can lead to lasting issues, such as loss of mobility or chronic pain. For conditions like arthritis or elbow bursitis, addressing the problem early on can prevent it from escalating.
Even injuries that seem small, like mild elbow pain on the inside, could signify something more serious. Elbow specialists can identify these issues before they worsen, saving you from long-term complications.
Elbow Pain Treatment Options
There are numerous treatments that an elbow specialist can recommend depending on the cause and severity of your elbow pain.
Non-Surgical Treatments
An elbow specialist may recommend non-surgical options to manage elbow pain.
Physical Therapy
Targeted strengthening exercises help improve muscle support around tendons and joints, reducing strain and preventing further wear and tear.
These exercises may also improve flexibility and overall joint function.
Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) can reduce swelling and pain, while corticosteroid injections may provide more targeted, short-term relief for severe inflammation.
Braces or Splints
Specialized braces or splints are designed to stabilize the elbow, minimize strain on affected areas, and promote faster recovery by reducing movement during healing.
Surgical Treatments
For severe conditions like advanced arthritis, torn tendons, or fractures, surgery might become necessary. Procedures include the following.
Arthroscopy
This is a minimally invasive procedure to remove damaged tissue or repair the joint using a small camera and specialized tools inserted through tiny incisions.
Tendon Repair Surgery
A surgical procedure to restore torn or damaged tendons in the elbow, improving function and reducing pain.
Elbow Joint Replacement
A surgical option for severe cases of joint damage, where the damaged parts of the elbow are replaced with artificial components to restore movement and relieve pain.
Elbow Specialist in Maryland
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our board-certified orthopedic doctors specializing in upper extremities are committed to helping patients regain their strength and mobility. Whether you are dealing with elbow bursitis or arthritis, our team provides both cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical treatments tailored to your needs.
Our friendly staff is ready to assist you from the first phone call. Contact us today at (410) 296-6232 or schedule your visit using our appointment request form to meet with one of our experts.
We look forward to being part of your recovery.
