Everyone has experienced brief pains in the elbow that can cause temporary discomfort -- but when chronic elbow pain refuses to go away, it can become quite bothersome. The elbow joint is a complex hinge joint that allows the arm to move in multiple planes of motion. It’s also one of the most frequently used joints in the body, which means it’s susceptible to injury and wear and tear over time.
There are many different conditions that can cause elbow pain, all of which can be treated by the elbow pain treatment specialists at Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates. Here are four of the most common elbow pain causes we see at GPOA:
1- Arthritis
Arthritis is a common cause of elbow pain, especially in older adults. There are many different types of arthritis, but the two most common types that affect the elbow are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis:
Arthritis can be caused by a number of different factors, including age, genetics, previous injury, and repetitive motion. Treatment for arthritis typically focuses on pain relief and management. As some of the top elbow surgeons near you, GPOA is committed to providing ongoing support for patients with arthritis, including surgical options when necessary.
- Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis that occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of the bones wears down over time.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes the body’s immune system to attack the joints, causing pain and swelling.
2- Tendinitis
Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon, the thick band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. The elbow joint is surrounded by tendons, and when these tendons become inflamed, it can cause pain in the elbow joint. Common elbow pain symptoms related to tendinitis include:
Tendinitis is often caused by repetitive motion, especially during sports. This is why different types of tendinitis are often known as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. It can also be caused by an injury or overuse of the elbow joint. Treatment for tendinitis typically includes rest, ice, and physical therapy. If the pain persists, GPOA offers several different types of conservative treatments, including orthobiologic solutions and surgeries to treat tendinitis.
- Pain that worsens with activity or extended use of the arm
- Swelling or tenderness around the elbow joint
- Stiffness in the elbow joint
3- Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and muscles. There are many different bursae in the elbow joint, and when they become inflamed, it can cause pain in the elbow joint. If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have bursitis:
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Swelling or tenderness around the elbow joint
- Stiffness in the elbow joint
Bursitis is often caused by repetitive motion, injury, or overuse of the elbow joint. Certain athletes are more prone to bursitis than others, including baseball players, tennis players, and golfers. At GPOA, we proudly provide nonsurgical and minimally-invasive treatments for bursitis.
4- Elbow Fracture
Your elbow contains three bones: the ulna, the radius, and the humerus. The ulna and radius make up the lower arm, while the humerus is the upper arm bone. All three of these bones come together to form the elbow joint. An elbow fracture is a break in one or more of these bones.
Elbow fractures can happen due to a fall, a direct blow, or another type of trauma. This is especially prevalent in sports-related injuries, as well as work-related injuries for those in industries like construction. Symptoms of an elbow fracture include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Deformity of the elbow joint
If you think you may have fractured your elbow, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Elbow fractures require prompt treatment to ensure proper healing. The board-certified elbow surgeons at GPOA are experienced in treating all types of elbow fractures, from simple breaks to complex fractures.
If you’re experiencing any type of elbow pain, the first step is to schedule a consultation with the expert team at GPOA. We will work with you to develop a custom treatment plan that meets your specific needs, and our ultimate goal will be to help you return to full functionality.
At Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates, our team of experienced orthopedic surgeons is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for all your orthopedic needs. We offer a full range of services, from sports medicine to elbow surgery. If you’re experiencing chronic pain and you’re ready to receive the best elbow surgery Pittsburgh has to offer, schedule your first appointment with us today.
If you’re ready to find relief and get back to the life you love, don’t wait! Contact GPOA today to schedule an appointment.
