Elbow pain is a common issue that affects millions of people each year, with studies showing that around 9 million individuals seek medical care annually for elbow-related problems. Whether the pain is due to overuse, injury, or a chronic condition, it can significantly impact your daily activities and overall quality of life.
At Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates, we specialize in providing expert care for orthopaedic conditions, including surgical solutions to treat persistent elbow pain. With decades of experience serving patients across Pennsylvania, our team is committed to helping you find relief and regain your mobility. If you're experiencing persistent elbow pain, schedule an appointment with our specialists today to discuss your options and begin your personalized treatment plan.
Understanding when surgery might be the right choice is critical to achieving lasting relief—read on to learn more about the causes of elbow pain, available treatments, and how to determine if surgery could help you.
Function of the Elbow Joint
The elbow joint is a hinge joint connecting the upper and lower arm bones, enabling essential movements for daily activities. It is formed by three bones—the humerus in the upper arm and the radius and ulna in the forearm. Ligaments, muscles, and tendons work together to allow bending, straightening, and rotation of the forearm. Cartilage cushions the bones, while a synovial membrane produces fluid to reduce friction for smooth, pain-free movement. Understanding elbow anatomy is key to diagnosing and treating conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, or fractures.
Common Causes of Elbow Pain
Elbow pain can stem from various causes, including overuse injuries, fractures, inflammatory arthritis, or medial and lateral epicondylitis (commonly known as Tennis Elbow or golfer's elbow). Repetitive motions, like those involving the upper arm and wrist, can strain tendons, soft tissues, and muscles, causing pain and discomfort.
Conditions like Cubital Tunnel Syndrome or radial tunnel syndrome may involve pressure on the ulnar nerve or radial nerve, leading to referred pain or numbness. Similarly, psoriatic arthritis and juvenile arthritis, both autoimmune diseases affecting the immune system, can cause inflammation in the elbow joint, leading to chronic issues. Early elbow pain diagnosis is essential to prevent further complications.
Common Symptoms of Elbow Pain
- Pain in the lateral epicondyle or medial epicondyle areas.
- Swelling, stiffness, or difficulty performing tasks, such as grasping objects.
- Weakness in the triceps muscle or around the joint.
- Tingling in the funny bone area or reduced blood flow in the arm.
Key Risk Factors:
- Repetitive moments cause pain or strain on ligaments like the ulnar collateral ligament.
- Overuse of the elbow joint, two bones (radius and ulna), or fluid-filled sacs leading to conditions like bursitis.
Elbow Pain Diagnosis
Diagnosing elbow pain begins with a thorough evaluation of medical history and physical activity to identify potential causes, such as repetitive movements or previous elbow injuries. A physical examination is often conducted to assess mobility, tenderness, and inflammation in the joint.
During the evaluation, the doctor may observe the starting position of the arm and elbow to detect abnormalities or strain caused by improper techniques. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds, may be utilized to inspect the bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues for signs of fractures, ligament tears, or conditions like bursitis.
For mild elbow pain, treatments like physiotherapy, rest, and over-the-counter medications are often recommended to reduce pain and improve function. In severe cases or degenerative conditions, options like elbow replacement surgery may be considered. Other treatments, such as corticosteroid injections or lifestyle changes, can help relieve pain and prevent recurrence.
A proper diagnosis is key to understanding the issue and finding the best way to restore mobility and ease discomfort in this frequently used joint.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Most elbow pain, including that caused by conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, can be relieved with simple self-care and treatments:
- Rest: A few days' rest can allow the body's healthy tissue to heal.
- Ice Pack: Applying an ice pack can reduce inflammation and soothe soft tissues.
- Over-the-Counter Medications: Pain relievers can provide temporary relief.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can help you regain flexibility and strength using exercises like gently pulling the arm or using light weights.
- Corticosteroid Injections: Steroid injections may reduce severe pain in cases of lateral epicondylitis or medial epicondylitis.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP therapy boosts blood flow to heal damaged tissues.
If your elbow pain is related to rheumatoid arthritis, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure proper treatment.
With consistent care, most elbow pain improves within a few weeks. However, conditions like psoriatic arthritis, juvenile arthritis, or chronic inflammatory arthritis may require ongoing management.
When Surgery May Be Necessary
Surgery is recommended for:
- Persistent severe pain in the lower arm, unresponsive to treatments like steroid injections or rest, especially if the issue persists for about six weeks.
- Structural damage to the elbow joint, such as ligament tears or scar tissue buildup, may result from an obvious injury and commonly affects mobility, often requiring about six weeks of recovery.
- Chronic medical conditions like advanced arthritis or cubital tunnel syndrome that limit mobility are often identified through magnetic resonance imaging and may take about six weeks to show improvement post-surgery.
Types of Elbow Surgery
- Elbow Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive, used to address issues like inflamed tissue, scar tissue, or loose bone fragments.
- Tendon Repair Surgery: This reconstructs damaged tendons for better movement and strength.
- Joint Replacement: Recommended for advanced arthritis or trauma, replacing the joint for improved mobility.
Begin Your Journey to Elbow Pain Relief Today
Elbow surgery offers a path to pain relief and restored mobility when injuries or chronic conditions limit your quality of life. At Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates, our experienced team is here to provide expert care every step of the way.
