Elbow Pain

Elbow pain is a common musculoskeletal problem, particularly among golfers, tennis players, and other athletes who use racquets and clubs. At Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics in Boulder, Colorado, sports medicine specialists offer minimally invasive, nonsurgical treatments for elbow pain. Call Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics today to schedule an elbow pain consultation, or book your appointment online.

Should I visit a specialist if I have elbow pain?

Yes. Make an appointment at Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics if you have elbow pain that lasts longer than a few days. That’s particularly true if the pain worsens or interferes with your ability to work, drive, or exercise.

Even though most cases of elbow pain aren’t severe, without treatment, the injury can worsen and keep you from activities you love.

What are the symptoms of elbow pain?

Elbow pain symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Difficulty bending the elbow
• A grating or clicking sound during movement
• Locking sensation in the elbow
• Problems with range of motion

If you have an infection, you might notice that your elbow is red or warm to the touch.

What causes elbow pain?

Your elbows are two of the most active joints in your entire body. Common causes of elbow pain include:

• Arthritis
• Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Olecranon bursitis (inflammation of the fluid sac protecting the elbow joint)
• Elbow dislocation
• Ligament strains and sprains

Rarely, elbow pain is due to Panner’s disease, where small pieces of bone or cartilage become lodged inside your elbow joint.

How does a sports medicine specialist diagnose elbow pain?

Your Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes an exam. They look at your elbow and forearm for bruising, swelling, or redness and check your elbow joint’s range of motion and strength.

Your provider gently presses on your elbow joint and the surrounding skin to pinpoint sensitive spots and orders X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to check for damage to your bones, joints, and surrounding tissues.

How does a sports medicine specialist treat elbow pain?

Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics treats elbow pain using a conservative, nonsurgical approach. They could suggest:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or a mild prescription narcotic
• Bracing
• Driving restrictions
• Exercise restrictions
• Work restrictions
• Wearing a sling
• Gentle wrist flexion and extension exercises
• Isometrics to strengthen the muscles in your forearm
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Prolotherapy
• Ultrasound-guided injections
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Walking

After 4-6 weeks of rehabilitation, you can begin activities that require elbow movement, like throwing, rock climbing, and using tools.

Call Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics today to schedule treatment for elbow pain, or book your appointment online.