WHAT ARE ELBOW INJURIES AND HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE ONE?
Elbow pain can be acute (occurring suddenly), from injury or trauma or it can develop over time. How your elbow pain develops can help identify causes and symptoms.
What Causes Elbow Pain?
Most people will experience a minor elbow injury at some point during their lifetime such as an impact to your ‘funny bone’. But if your elbow injury is more severe, knowing what caused it can help in obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Acute elbow pain from an injury or trauma such as sports, recreational activities, and falls can include:
- Fractures
- Tendon damage or tear
- Ligament damage or tear
- Elbow joint dislocation
- Soft tissue sprain
Elbow pain that develops over time, also a called wear and tear injury, is commonly caused by:
- Repetitive motions
- Tendonitis and bursitis
- Nerve damage
- Osteoarthritis
- Pinched nerve(s)
- Bone spurs
- Golfer’s Elbow or Tennis Elbow
- Injury to the ulnar nerve (‘Funny Bone’)
- Radial Tunnel Syndrome
What are the Symptoms of Elbow Pain?
Depending on the cause and injury, elbow pain can manifest in a variety of symptoms. Typically elbow pain isn’t severe, but it can be extremely frustrating and bothersome. The elbow joint is fairly complex as it allows you to flex, extend and rotate your forearm and hand. Because there are so many movements and motions possible, narrowing down the true cause of your pain can be difficult. The symptoms you describe can help. Common elbow pain symptoms include:
- Sharp pain
- Aching and throbbing
- Trouble bending the elbow
- A ’locking’ sensation
- Grating during movement
- Swelling
- Joint instability
- Limited range of motion
If you think you are experiencing an elbow injury, get a head start on diagnosing your condition below.
HOW ARE ELBOW INJURIES TREATED?
How your elbow injury or pain is treated is highly dependent on the cause and symptoms you are experiencing. Every case of elbow pain can be different. This is why an accurate diagnosis from the experts at Oasis Orthopedic and Spine is critical to finding pain relief.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Elbow Pain and Injury
When you are suffering from elbow pain, your daily activities can be impacted. Things like picking up your child or reaching for a glass of water can feel like a struggle.
Many people start by trying to manage their symptoms at home with over the counter pain relief or heat and ice therapy. When at home treatment is not enough, you need to see the spine experts at Oasis Orthopedic and Spine. Elbow pain can be treated in a variety of non-surgical ways such as:
- Physical therapy
- Bracing and immobility
- Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs
- Steroid injections
Surgical Treatments for Elbow Pain and Injury
Treating an elbow injury quickly is important in order to prevent further damage. However, there is treatment and help available for older elbow injuries.
No matter the circumstances, the experts at Oasis Orthopedic and Spine can help. Common surgical treatments for elbow pain and injury include:
- Arthroscopy
- Total Elbow Arthroplasty or Replacement
- Tendon Repair
- Ligament Repair
If you think you are experiencing elbow pain or injury, find the right treatment for you with our interactive treatment finder below.