Elbow Injuries & Treatment

Sports-related elbow injuries are very common in patients of all athletic and activity levels. Repetitive arm motions can cause overuse conditions, while athletic accidents can result in acute injuries. Regardless of the cause, an injury to the elbow makes everyday activities painful and difficult. 

We at the Spine & Joint Health Centre can expertly evaluate and treat a whole the range of elbow injuries and disorders. We deliver personalised care aimed at getting patients of all ages back into action.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Treat Elbow Injuries

We collaborate with other specialists when necessary to deliver an effective treatment plan that’s personalised for each patient.

Conditions Affecting the Elbow

• Arthritis
• Burners and stingers
• Bursitis
• Dislocation
• Flexor tendinitis
• Fractures
• Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
• Instability
• Little Leaguer's elbow (medial apophysitis)
• Nursemaid's elbow (radial head subluxation)
• Olecranon stress fracture
• Sprains and strains
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
• Tendon tears
• Traumatic injuries
• Ulnar collateral ligament injury (UCL)
• Ulnar neuritis
• Ulnar nerve entrapment (cubital tunnel syndrome)
• Valgus extension overload (VEO)

Symptoms

Patients with an elbow injury or disorder might experience symptoms such as:

• A bone that is clearly misshapen or out of place
• Pain that ranges from mild to severe
• Restricted movement
• Swelling, tenderness, and bruising
• Tingling and numbness, which might radiate down the arm

Diagnosing Elbow Conditions

To diagnose an elbow injury or disorder we will ask patients about their medical history and physical activities, conduct a physical examination, and order imaging studies.

Imaging might include the following:

• Arthrograms (X-rays of the joints)
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• X-rays

Conservative Treatments:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Immobilizing devices such as braces and slings
• Physical medicine and osteopathic / physiotherapy rehabilitation.
• RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation)

Elbow Surgery

Sometimes patients may require elbow surgery and these are referred to local consultants who use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.

These include arthroscopic procedures and fracture fixation to complex elbow repair and revision surgeries, where specialised operations are aimed at relieving elbow pain, restoring function, and achieving optimal long-term outcomes.