ELBOW
Elbow
The trained experts at iOrtho treat a variety of conditions involving problems with the elbow, select a condition below to learn more.
Tennis Elbow
Tendinitis also called “tennis elbow” is a common condition that affects the extensor tendons originating from the lateral epicondyle.
Understanding the causes of tennis elbow is crucial for prevention and effective management of this condition. Individuals engaged in activities that involve repetitive arm and wrist motions should be particularly aware of these risk factors and take measures to reduce their susceptibility to tennis elbow:
- Repetitive Arm and Wrist Movements
- Overuse and Strain
- Muscle Imbalance and Weakness
- Age and Degeneration
- Occupational Factors
- Other Risk Factors
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow:
- Pain on the outer side of the elbow.
- Tenderness and swelling around the affected area.
- Weakness in gripping and lifting objects.
- Pain exacerbated by gripping, twisting, or lifting motions.
- Stiffness in the forearm and elbow.
- Pain that may radiate down the forearm.
- Difficulty in performing everyday activities, such as shaking hands or turning a doorknob.
- Gradual onset of symptoms, often worsening with time.
- Discomfort during activities involving wrist extension, such as using a racquet or a computer mouse.
Recognizing these symptoms can help individuals seek timely treatment and manage tennis elbow effectively. Schedule an appointment with iOrtho to learn treatment options.
Golfer’s Elbow
Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow) is a form of tendonitis that causes pain and inflammation on the medial side of the elbow over the medial epicondyle. Often caused by overusing the muscles in your forearm, which lets you grip, rotate your arm, and flex your wrist. Repetitive flexing, gripping, or swinging can cause pulls or tiny tears in the tendons.
Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow:
- Stiffness in your elbow
- Tenderness and pain of your elbow or forearm,
- Pain with certain movements when making a fist or swinging
- Weakness in hands and wrists
Recognizing these symptoms can help individuals seek timely treatment and manage epicondylitis effectively. Schedule an appointment with iOrtho to learn treatment options.
Bursitis
Between the olecranon (the bone at the back of your elbow) and your skin lies fluid-filled sacs called bursae that facilitate skin moving freely over this pointy bone. Normally, your elbow’s bursae are flat, until they become inflamed or irritated by trauma, prolonged pressure (leaning on your elbow for extended periods) or infections caused by skin wounds that allow bacteria to infect bursae. In addition, gout is a medical condition commonly associated with bursitis.
Mild Symptoms: If your symptoms are mild and you can manage them with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers, you might want to wait a few days to see if the condition improves. If it does, you may not need an immediate appointment.
Moderate Symptoms: If your symptoms are moderate and interfering with your daily activities, consider scheduling an appointment within a week or two. Waiting too long could lead to a worsening of the condition.
Severe Symptoms: If you're experiencing severe pain, significant swelling, or if the bursitis is affecting your mobility, it's advisable to seek medical attention promptly. In such cases, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible, and if necessary, consider going to an urgent care clinic or the emergency room.
Recurrent or Chronic Bursitis: If you've had bursitis before or if your symptoms are chronic, it's important to see a healthcare provider to address the underlying causes and develop a long-term management plan.
Ultimately, the timing of your appointment should be based on your individual circumstances and the severity of your symptoms, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Schedule an appointment with an iOrtho orthopedic specialist today.
Sprain
Tear or stretch injuries to elbow ligaments will “sprain” the elbow and cause stiffness and pain. Hyperextended or jammed elbows often result in a sprained elbow that usually responds to RICE ( Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). However, complete dislocations or multiple ligament tears or tears of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament in athletes may require specialized treatment.
If you think you have a sprained elbow, visit iOrthoNOW for immediate orthopedic care – no appointment needed Monday through Friday, 8-4PM.