The elbow is a complex joint. The joint itself is comprised of bone, cartilage, ligaments, and fluid. The joint needs the surrounding muscles and tendons to move. If you suffer an injury to any of the components of the elbow or the surrounding structures, you’re going to have elbow trouble and may need elbow injury treatment. Sports injuries and general overuse can result in conditions like Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow, Tendonitis, or Elbow Instability. Other possible injuries and conditions include an Elbow Strain, Elbow Bursitis, Elbow Fracture, Medial Collateral Ligament injuries, and more.
The elbow is also one of the most used joints in the body – something you may not notice until you begin feeling pain every time you move it! There are a variety of injuries and conditions that can affect your elbow. If one of these three common elbow injuries has you in pain we are here to provide elbow injury treatment for you!
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is a common elbow injury found in athletes. Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon. This occurs when a person injures or overuses a tendon, often seen in sports as well as professions that involve repetitive motion, like carpenters or plumbers. Two common types of tendinitis are golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow, which refer to two different forms of inflammation of the tendons in the elbow. Golfer’s elbow involves irritation and/or inflammation to the flexor tendon on the inside of your elbow while tennis elbow involves inflammation to the extensor tendon on the outside of your elbow. If rest, over-the-counter pain medication, and icing your elbow don’t help, then it’s time to make an appointment with one of our elbow specialists for your elbow injury treatment.
Fractures
Elbow fractures can occur after a fall, direct impact to the elbow, and even twisting the elbow. Pain, swelling, bruising, and stiffness in and around the elbow can indicate signs of a fracture. Hearing or feeling a snap or pop at the time of an injury could be a sign that a fracture has occurred. Numbness and weakness in the arm, wrist, or hand could be a symptom of a fracture as well. Out of place or unstable fractures are more likely to require surgery.
Bursitis
A common cause of elbow bursitis is trauma. Trauma can happen by falling on the elbow or hitting the elbow on a hard surface. It can also develop from prolonged pressure. Leaning on the tip of the elbow for long periods of time on hard surfaces may cause the bursa to swell. This type of bursitis develops over several months. People in certain occupations are especially vulnerable, particularly plumbers or heating and air conditioning technicians who have to crawl on their knees in tight spaces and lean on their elbows. Certain athletic activities may also prompt the development of elbow bursitis.
Elbow Injury Treatment
Treatments offered by an elbow orthopedic specialist at OrthoManhattan include elbow surgeries, tendon repair procedures, tension band wiring, and more. We also offer less intensive options (if appropriate) like corticosteroid injections, physical and occupational therapy, and splinting. If you’re living with any amount of elbow pain or discomfort, book an appointment with an elbow orthopedic specialist!
Every elbow orthopedic specialist on staff at OrthoManhattan is experienced and passionate about providing the highest level of care possible. If you have suffered an elbow injury or have been living with elbow pain for years, make an appointment! We’d love to get you back to a full range of motion and pain-free living!