Elbow Pain Specialists

What causes elbow pain?

Many conditions can cause elbow pain, including overuse and sports injuries. The skilled team at Perimeter Orthopaedics, PC evaluates and treats all types of elbow pain, including:

Arthritis of the elbow

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis to affect the elbow. This degenerative condition causes the cartilage that cushions the joint to wear down, which leads to elbow pain, stiffness, and swelling. Elbow injuries may increase your risk of osteoarthritis in this joint.

Sports injuries

Athletes who use repetitive arm motions, such as throwing a baseball or swinging a tennis racket, are especially prone to elbow injuries. Common elbow injuries in sports include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, nerve injuries, and stress fractures, which are tiny cracks in the bone.

Fractures and dislocations

Falling on an outstretched hand can lead to acute elbow injuries like fractures and dislocations. A fracture is a break in the bone, and a dislocation means that one or more bones is out of place.

What tests and procedures diagnose elbow pain?

First, your Perimeter Orthopaedics, PC specialist asks about your elbow pain, including when it started and what makes it better or worse. They review your medical history and perform a physical exam. They may also take in-office imaging tests, such as:

• X-ray
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

These tests help your provider diagnose the cause of your elbow pain and determine the best approach to treatment. 

What treatments are available for elbow pain?

After they diagnose your condition, the team at Perimeter Orthopaedics, PC creates an individualized treatment plan for your specific type of elbow pain. Most elbow problems resolve with nonsurgical treatment, such as:

• Activity modification
• Icing the elbow
• Physical therapy
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Immobilization in a cast or brace
• Regenerative medicine, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

If your condition is severe or elbow pain and symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary. Dr. Nicholson performs a variety of procedures, including minimally invasive elbow arthroscopy and elbow reconstruction and repair. After surgery, you complete a physical therapy plan for recovery.

For comprehensive care of elbow pain, including diagnostic imaging and physical therapy under one roof, call Perimeter Orthopaedics, PC or book an appointment online today.