Elbow

Arthritis of the elbow is a degenerative joint condition caused by cartilage wear, injury, or inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Those with arthritis in the elbow often experience symptoms like:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Difficulty moving or fully extending the arm

Diagnosis often involves a physical exam and X-rays, with MRI or CT scans sometimes used for a clearer view of the joint. Initial treatment usually includes anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy. If these measures aren’t effective, arthritis surgery may be considered.

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed at the elbow, causing numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, pain in the inner elbow, and sometimes hand weakness. These symptoms often worsen at night or when the elbow stays bent for long periods.

Diagnosing this condition often includes a physical exam and nerve conduction studies. Conservative treatment options include activity changes, elbow padding, elbow braces designed for cubital tunnel pain, and anti-inflammatory medications. If symptoms don’t improve, surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the nerve. At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our skilled orthopedic hand surgeons have specialized training to perform ulnar nerve transposition for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.

Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain where the tendons attach to the inner side of the elbow, often due to repetitive gripping or wrist use. Symptoms typically include pain, tenderness, stiffness, weakness, and tingling in the inner elbow and forearm.

Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination and X-rays to rule out other problems, like bone fractures or muscle tears. Nonsurgical treatment methods begin with rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy to strengthen and stretch affected muscles. Bracing or splinting may also be used to help reduce strain. If nonsurgical approaches fail, your physician may suggest surgery to repair or release damaged tissue.

Pitcher's elbow is an overuse injury that affects the inside of the elbow, most often seen in baseball pitchers and throwing athletes. Caused by repetitive stress that leads to inflammation, tendon damage, and occasionally growth plate injuries in young athletes, symptoms typically include pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow, stiffness, weakness, swelling, and limited range of motion.

Diagnosing pitcher’s elbow involves a physical exam, X-rays to assess bone structure (especially in children), and sometimes an MRI or ultrasound to evaluate soft tissues. Our physicians often focus treatment on rest from throwing, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility. In rare severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be considered if conservative treatments do not provide relief.

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition where overuse leads to inflammation or small tears in the tendons on the outer elbow. It can affect anyone doing repetitive gripping or twisting motions. Typical symptoms include pain and tenderness on the outer elbow, weakness when gripping, and discomfort that may radiate down the forearm.

Tennis elbow may be diagnosed with a physical exam; however, some providers may also recommend X-ray or MRI imaging. Most cases improve with nonsurgical treatments like rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and bracing. If nonsurgical treatments do not provide relief, our physicians may recommend surgery to repair the affected tendons.