Elbow Pain
Elbow pain may not sound like a serious problem. And, typically, it isn’t. But if you’re the one dealing with the achy joint, you’ll probably disagree. Although the elbow isn’t a weight-bearing joint, pain around the area can keep you from activities you love and sometimes even simply daily tasks, like getting dressed or making dinner.
Here, we understand that elbow pain is a pain. That’s why we have an orthopedic team ready to support every bend, twist and pull. With a personalized treatment plan, we’ll help you regain strength, flexibility—and control of your days.
Common Causes
There are many potential causes of elbow pain, ranging from arthritis to problems with your bones, joints and muscles. Most of the time, though, elbow pain is a result of overuse or injury, and the culprit is often activities—like golf, tennis or gardening—that require repetitive hand, wrist or arm movements.
Common causes of elbow pain include:
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Dislocation
- Fractures, strains and sprains
- Gout
- Infection
- Tendinitis
- Tendon tears
- Tennis elbow
- Throwing injuries
- Trapped nerves
Treatment Options
For less intense elbow pain, such as achiness or throbbing in the joint, home treatments like the PRICE method may help:
- Protect the area from further injury by wearing a brace or splint.
- Rest your elbow and avoid the activity that caused the injury.
- Ice your elbow for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day.
- Compress the area by using a bandage or sleeve to wrap the area and reduce swelling.
- Elevate your elbow by keeping your arm raised.
You can also try pain relievers, or topical creams like lidocaine.
If at-home treatments don’t work, if your pain is severe or sharp, or if you experience swelling or bruising around the joint—you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
We may recommend a combination of the following treatments:
- Bracing
- Corticosteroid shots
- Manipulation
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Surgery