Elbow Pain & Treatments
Common Causes of Elbow Pain
Elbow pain can severely limit daily activity and diminish quality of life. The most common causes of elbow pain are:
- Tendonitis such as epicondylitis, called tennis or golfer's elbow
- Bursitis
- Cubital tunnel syndrome - entrapment of the ulnar nerve
- Biceps rupture
- Injuries such as fractures, sprains, strains, ligament tears and dislocations
- Referred pain from the neck
Getting to the Cause of Elbow Pain
There are many possible causes of elbow pain, not all of them originating in the elbow. Since proper treatment depends on the root cause, see your family doctor or an orthopedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnostic Testing
Your family doctor or orthopedic specialist may use one or more of the following evaluation methods to arrive at a diagnosis:
Treatment Options
Typically, your doctor may recommend one of the following treatments.
- Medication - typically oral anti-inflammatories
- Physical or occupational therapy - MyMichigan Health offers comprehensive rehabilitation services at one of our convenient locations. Ask your doctor about a referral.
- Splinting
- Rest or activity modification if the cause is overuse
- Cortisone injections
- Surgery - the most common elbow surgeries performed at MyMichigan are
- Ulnar nerve release or transposition
- Surgical debridement of the area where the tendon is inflamed
- Fracture repair
The MyMichigan Difference
- Board-certified orthopedic surgeons
- Team philosophy - our orthopedic specialists work closely with rehabilitation services to ensure your safe and speedy return to normal activity.
