Chronic Elbow Pain

The elbow is a complex joint formed by the unification of three bones; the humerus, radius, and ulna. There are dozens of conditions and disorders that could be a potential source of elbow pain. Many jobs and sports require the strenuous use of this joint, making overuse one of the leading causes of chronic elbow pain. Conditions affecting the elbow often involve elbow ligaments, muscles, tendons, and bones, with pain levels ranging from mild to severe.

Causes of Chronic Elbow Pain

Elbow pain can be debilitating, significantly reducing a person’s range of motion and impacting their quality of life. While there are multiple possible causes for your elbow pain, most issues can be narrowed down to some form of inflammation, tear, impacted nerve, or fracture. Common causes of elbow pain include:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the weakening of the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones. Having worn cartilage means that bones rub together, causing pain and stiffness in the joints. Osteoarthritis is more prominent in individuals over the age of 65, but it can occur in people of all ages.
Bursitis

Bursitis is an inflammatory condition that occurs when bursae sacs swell, causing pain. Bursae are tiny sacs of fluid located all over the body that lubricate and cushion bones, tendons, and ligaments, preventing them from rubbing against one another.
Tendinitis

Tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, a thick, fibrous cord that attaches bone to muscle. While inflammation can occur in any of the tendons in the body, it is more likely to develop in the knees, elbows, shoulders, and wrists.
Fractures

Elbow fractures are often the result of traumatic injuries caused by sports, falls or car accidents and can lead to severe pain. The swelling and bruising caused by the fracture can worsen if untreated, leading to further pain. These types of injuries require immediate medical attention to heal appropriately.
Sports Injuries

One of the most common ways in which people injure their elbow is while playing a sport. Sports such as tennis and golf, which require constant use of the elbows, are some of the biggest culprits. While some of these injuries only cause temporary pain, many of them can cause chronic pain symptoms.

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Diagnosing Elbow Pain

In order to correctly identify and diagnose the source of your elbow pain, our physicians will conduct a series of examinations during your visit. The first step is to perform a thorough physical exam and carefully evaluate your medical and family history. In addition, your doctor may suggest getting blood work, x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to best single out your condition.

Elbow Pain Treatment

We offer a variety of minimally invasive procedures designed to help you manage your elbow pain and regain control of your life. We strive to provide you with a personalized treatment plan that meets all of your needs. Our team of interventional pain specialists possesses decades of extensive experience in a wide range of conditions and is uniquely qualified to treat them. If you or anyone you know is currently suffering from elbow pain, we highly encourage you to contact our team today.