Elbow Sprains and Strains
Soft tissue injuries in which either the ligaments or the tendons in the elbow are stretched or torn. A sprain affects the ligaments, while a strain impacts the tendons. These injuries typically respond well to nonsurgical measures like bracing or physical therapy, which strengthens the elbow’s supporting muscles and improves its range of motion. More serious soft tissue injuries, such as a biceps tendon tear, in which the tendon tears completely from the bone, require surgery within the first few weeks of the injury.
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, stiffness, and a pop or tear sensation in the case of sprains.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Immobilization/bracing/splinting
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Elbow arthroscopy
- Tendon repair surgery
- Internal Brace Procedures
Elbow Dislocation
The separation of bones of the elbow joint, resulting in their misalignment. In a total elbow dislocation, the bones are completely separated, potentially damaging muscles, ligaments, and the surface of the bones, often requiring surgery to repair. In a partial dislocation, or subluxation, the bones are only partly separated.
Symptoms: Severe pain, bruising, swelling, and in the case of complete dislocations, obvious deformity.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Medication
- Immobilization
- Physical therapy
- Ligament or fracture repair surgery
Elbow Fracture
A break in one or more of the three bones of the elbow joint: the humerus, the radius, and the ulna. A plaster cast is typically used to immobilize minor fractures to promote recovery. If a broken elbow bone is displaced, meaning the fragments have separated, surgery called operative fracture fixation using pins, wires, plates, or screws can help ensure proper healing. For example, a fracture of the olecranon, which is the part of the ulna that forms the tip of the elbow joint, often requires surgery to fix or remove bone fragments.
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, decreased range of motion, deformity, and in some cases numbness in the forearm, hand, or fingers.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Ice
- Immobilization
- Operative Fracture Fixation
Inflammatory Arthritis
An attack on the shoulder’s healthy tissues by the body’s overactive immune system, including diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Symptoms: Joint pain, swelling, redness, stiffness, and loss of function. Flare-ups of inflammatory arthritis can also be accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Rest
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Arthroscopic elbow surgery
Osteoarthritis
The breakdown of the cartilage that coats the ends of bones and joints. Normally, damaged cartilage repairs itself as older cartilage is degraded. When this degradation outpaces repair, cartilage breakdown occurs and damage to bone results.
Symptoms: Pain, tenderness, stiffness, decreased flexibility, a grating sensation during movement, the formation of bone spurs around the affected joint.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Injections
- Physical therapy
- Arthroscopic elbow surgery
Lateral Epicondylitis
(Tennis Elbow)
A form of tendinitis in which the tendons that attach to the bone on the outer side of the elbow have degenerated, caused by repetitive motions or aging. Though often called tennis elbow, lateral epicondylitis can affect patients who don’t play tennis but still repeat stressful movements with their arms. In some severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be required to remove the damaged tissue.
Symptoms: Pain, tenderness, a burning sensation on the outside of the elbow, weak grip strength.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Immobilization/bracing/splinting
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Elbow arthroscopy
Medial Epicondylitis
(Golfer’s Elbow)
A form of tendinitis in which the tendons attached to the inner side of the elbow, which bend the wrist and fingers, become inflamed. This condition arises from overuse and repetitive movement of the muscles and tendons of the forearm. Though often called golfer’s elbow, lateral epicondylitis can affect patients who don’t play tennis but still repeat stressful movements with their arms. In some severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be required to remove the damaged tissue.
Symptoms: Pain, tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, stiffness, weakness, and numbness or tingling, especially in the pinky and ring fingers.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Immobilization/bracing/splinting
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Elbow arthroscopy
Elbow Bursitis
The inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the bones, tendons and muscles in the elbow. Elbow bursitis occurs in the olecranon bursa, fluid-filled sac that cushions the bones, located at the tip of the elbow, called the olecranon.
Symptoms: Pain, tenderness, weakness, stiffness, decreased range of motion, and swelling.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Over the counter pain relievers
- R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Also known as ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow, cubital tunnel syndrome is compression or irritation of the ulnar nerve (frequently called the “funny bone” nerve) which runs in a groove on the inner side of the elbow. Its cause is unknown though previous elbow injuries or conditions might make cubital tunnel syndrome more likely to occur.
Symptoms: Numbness or tingling in the ring and small fingers, pain in the forearm, difficulty moving the hand or gripping, weakness in the hand.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Rest
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Immobilization/splinting/bracing
- Physical therapy
- Ulnar nerve release surgery
