Elbow Pain

Why does my elbow hurt?

While you can sustain an acute elbow injury like a fracture, sprain, or dislocation, elbow pain is due to overuse in most cases. You can also develop osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in your elbow. 

Athletes like golfers, tennis players, and baseball pitchers are prone to elbow injuries. Your elbow pain can stem from issues with the muscles, ligaments, tendons, bursae, or bones in the joint.

Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) and tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) are two of the most common causes of elbow pain. Golfer’s elbow causes inflammation in the tendons on the inside of your elbow, and tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outside of the joint. 

When should I talk to a doctor about elbow pain?

You should contact Dr. Prager right away if you injure your elbow and have severe pain, swelling, and bruising around the joint. Additionally, if you can’t extend, bend, or rotate your elbow, make an appointment as soon as possible. 

You can try to manage mild elbow pain at home with ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain medication. However, if your pain persists or gets worse instead of subsiding, schedule a consultation at Orthopedic Center of Arlington. 

How is the cause of elbow pain diagnosed?

Dr. Prager diagnoses the cause of elbow pain with a physical exam and diagnostic tests. During your exam, he feels your elbow for signs of inflammation or deformity. He also tests your flexibility and range of motion. 

If necessary, Dr. Prager orders diagnostic imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to examine the inside of your joint in more detail. 

How do you treat elbow pain?

Dr. Prager usually begins treatment conservatively, prescribing anti-inflammatories and recommending stretching exercises. He might provide a cortisone injection if you’ve already been using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without relief.

You might benefit from an elbow brace and physical therapy, and Dr. Prager might also provide platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to boost your body’s natural healing response. 

When conservative treatments aren’t effective, Dr. Prager performs surgery to repair your elbow. He uses minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques whenever possible. You need to have physical therapy following surgery to get back to your regular activities quickly and safely. 

Call Orthopedic Center of Arlington or make an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and treatment of elbow pain.