What are common causes of elbow pain?
The conditions Dr. Bostick sees most often at Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine include:
Tennis elbow
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) develops as a result of overuse. The pain affects your lateral epicondyle, where the tendons of your forearm join the bony outer part of your elbow. Tennis elbow can occur in anyone who repeatedly stresses their wrists but is most common in people aged between 30 and 50.
Golfer's elbow
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) also affects the tendons in the forearm but causes pain in the inner part of your elbow. Baseball pitchers suffer this type of injury as well as golfers, and, in fact, anyone can develop golfer's elbow.
Olecranon bursitis
Olecranon or elbow bursitis affects the fluid-filled sac that cushions your elbow joint. Bursitis may develop from lengthy pressure on your elbow, an infection, or if you fall on your elbow. It can cause swelling and limited range of motion, as well as pain, and, if infected, may cause fever, sweats and chills, and redness.
Cubital tunnel syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome affects your ulnar nerve, where it passes through your elbow's cubital tunnel. Inflammation sets in following repeated elbow bending or as a result of your elbow joint's natural anatomy.
You might experience pain and numbness on the outer part of your hand and wrist, particularly after your elbow's been bent for a while.
How is elbow pain treated?
The treatment Dr. Bostick recommends for your elbow pain may vary depending on the nature and severity of the injury, but could include:
- Rest and activity modification
- Pain relief medication
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Icing the affected area
- Splints or braces
- Physical therapy
Fluid aspiration (withdrawing fluid from the joint with a syringe) and a course of antibiotics might be necessary if you have an infection.
Cortisone injections and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can help with persistent elbow pain when conservative measures aren't relieving your symptoms.
Would I need surgery for my elbow pain?
In many cases, conservative treatments are successful methods of resolving elbow pain, and surgery is rarely the first choice. However, elbow pain that doesn't respond to any other treatments might require surgery.
Dr. Bostick uses minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to investigate the joint thoroughly and perform a number of corrective surgeries. He may need to remove the bursa for bursitis; relieving ulnar nerve pressure might require a medial epicondylectomy or ulnar nerve transposition procedure.
A joint that has irreparable damage or severe arthritis might require total joint replacement surgery.
Find out how to get lasting relief from elbow pain by calling Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, or book an appointment online today.
