Elbow Pain and Injury

Biceps tendon tears at the elbow are less common than ones at the shoulder. Unfortunately, these types of tears will not grow back to the bone and heal on their own.

If you have this tear, you will still be able to move your elbow freely, with the exception of rotating your forearm from palm down to palm up, which we call supination. This makes this condition very easy to diagnose by a trained practitioner.

Other symptoms may include:

• Swelling and bruising in the elbow and forearm
• Weakness when bending the elbow or twisting the forearm
• A strange appearance or gap in the elbow along with a bulge in the arm (due to the displaced tendon)

Most patients will need surgery. Without surgery, you will have to tolerate not having full arm function, mostly the ability to carry objects using your affected arm.

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When the ulnar nerve in your arm becomes compressed or irritated behind the inside part of the elbow, you may experience cubital tunnel syndrome. You may have cubital tunnel syndrome if you are experiencing numbness and tingling in your hand and fingers.

Certain factors can put you at greater risk for developing cubital tunnel syndrome, including:

• Prior elbow fracture or dislocation
• Bone spurs or arthritis
• Cysts near the elbow joint
• Prolonged activities in which your elbow is required to be bent or flexed

Nonsurgical treatments often provide the relief needed to return to normal activity. they may include:

• anti-inflammatory medications
• a brace or splint
• nerve gliding exercises.

However, if symptoms do not improve or if the nerve compression is causing muscle weakness or possible damage in your hand, surgery may be recommended.

As a patient of OrthoNebraska, your treatment plan will be developed collaboratively between you and your care team, while discussing the risks and benefits as they pertain to you individually.

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Learn more about how cubital tunnel syndrome is typically diagnosed and treated.

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When the cartilage surface of the elbow is worn or damaged, osteoarthritis (elbow arthritis) develops. A previous dislocation or fracture can contribute, but most often arthritis develops from normal wear due to age and activity.

You may have elbow arthritis if the following symptoms are present:

• Pain
• Loss of range of motion
• A “grating” or “locking” sensation
• Joint swelling (often occurs over time)
• Numbness in your ring or small finger (later stages of elbow arthritis)

For patients experiencing early stages of elbow arthritis, oral medication, physical therapy and a change in activity can be used to help alleviate your symptoms. Eventually, treatments could include injections or surgery.

At OrthoNebraska, your treatment plan is developed collaboratively between you and your care team, and includes a discussion of the risks and benefits as they pertain to you individually.

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When the bursa (fluid-filled sacs) in your elbow (or more specifically, the olecranon, or bony tip of the elbow) becomes irritated or inflamed, elbow bursitis may be diagnosed. Traumatic injury or prolonged pressure on the elbow are the most common causes. Activities often associated with elbow bursitis include any occupation or activity that requires you to crawl on your knees and lean on your elbows in tight places, and holding different positions, such as a plank, for longer periods of time.

Elbow bursitis may be present if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:

• Excessive swelling
• Pain and possible restricted movement
• Skin that’s red and warm to the touch

Nonsurgical treatment may include draining the fluid from the bursa, followed by an antibiotic. Your physician may also recommend the use of elbow pads, adjusting your activities to minimize pressure on your elbow and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain.

If the elbow bursitis does not improve from removing the fluid and/or antibiotics, outpatient surgery may be recommended.

As a patient of OrthoNebraska, your treatment plan for elbow bursitis will be developed collaboratively between you and your care team, while discussing the risks and benefits as they pertain to you individually.

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Elbow fractures and dislocations come in many shapes and sizes. Mostly caused by traumatic injury, they are more common in women and those between the ages of 30 and 40.

The most common elbow fractures are radial head fractures, which symptoms including:

• Outside elbow pain or swelling
• Pain and difficulty when straightening the arm
• Inability to turn the arm, such as turning a doorknob.

Disclocations have similar symptoms, but are typically very painful, especially full dislocations, which are often confirmed by X-ray.

Doctors classify fractures according to displacement, or how far out of the normal position they are. Less severe fractures with small cracks and/or minimal bone movements may be treatable without surgery. In these cases, a splint or sling will be used to ensure proper healing, with a gradual return to normal. More severe fractures may require surgery to avoid creating long-term problems or movement restrictions. The surgery typically involves resetting the bones in place using screws and plates, along with any necessary repairs to the surrounding ligaments.

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Most golf injuries develop over time due to repetitive movement. One of the most common injuries from playing golf, Golfer’s elbow, occurs when the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to the inside of the bone at your elbow become damaged from overuse.

Golfer’s elbow is mostly diagnosed based on pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow. There are several exercises that, when done regularly, can help prevent Golfer’s elbow. Anti-inflammatory medications can be taken before golfing to help; however, speaking with an elbow expert is recommended to ensure your long-term recovery.

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Stretching for Golfer’s or Tennis Elbow

Perform only as instructed by your surgeon or other healthcare provider.

A broken (fractured) humerus is a break in the lower part of your upper arm, near your elbow joint.

Humerus fractures occur most often from:

• falling directly on your elbow
• a traumatic hit on or near your elbow, such as from a baseball bat or car or workplace accident
• a FOOSH (Falling On Out-Stretched Hand) injury

Symptoms of a humerus break are similar to other fractures, and include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tender to the touch
• Stiffness
• Instability, or feeling like your elbow is going to “pop out”

Fractures can be diagnosed by physical examination and X-ray, in our orthopedic clinic with a shoulder or elbow specialist or orthopedic urgent care. Treatment will depend on the severity of the fracture. Sometimes, a split and pain medications are sufficient. More severe fractures may require surgery.

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Overuse of a joint is often the cause of pain or inflammation. Tennis elbow is common among athletes and those who spend long periods of time making the same motion repeatedly. This condition results when forearm muscles and tendons become damaged causing pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. Tennis elbow is most common in your dominant hand but can affect both arms.

Those most at risk for developing tennis elbow include:

• Tennis and other racquet-based sports
• Painters
• Plumbers
• Carpenters
• Auto Workers
• Cooks/Butchers

You may be experiencing tennis elbow if you have any one or more of these symptoms:

• Pain or burning on the outside of your elbow
• Weak grip strength
• Pain at night

Nearly all patients with tennis elbow see results without needing surgery. Nonsurgical treatment could include:

• Rest
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Brace
• Injections
• Shock wave therapy
• Sports equipment check

If surgery is needed, your OrthoNebraska team will work collaboratively with you to create the right treatment plan for your individual needs.

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Stretching for Golfer’s or Tennis Elbow

Perform only as instructed by your surgeon or other healthcare provider.

Throwing athletes typically put a lot of stress their elbows and shoulders. Over time, without a proper rest and training regimen, the ulnar collaterial ligament (UCL) can become strained or tear. It’s a common point of failure for youth and professional athletes.

This injury will lead to pain on the inside of the elbow and the inability to achieve proper throwing velocity.

Treatment for UCL tears depends on the extent of the damage. A minor tear or strain may heal with only rest and ice. From there, treatment may progress to:

• Physical therapy
• Changes to throwing mechanics
• Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen
• Injections such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
• Surgery, typically a minimally invasive elbow scope

At OrthoNebraska, we believe listening and crafting a treatment plan that works for each patient and their needs is important.

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How Tommy John surgery is performed