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When elbow pain takes you away from the activities you enjoy, MU Health Care is here to pinpoint the cause and create a personalized treatment plan to help you move comfortably again.

Elbow pain can make even simple tasks frustrating, whether it’s from overuse, an injury or no clear cause. It might stick around all day, come and go or get worse when you move.

At MU Health Care, our orthopaedic specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating even the most complex elbow conditions. We’ll help you find answers and provide the best treatment options for your needs.

What Does Elbow Pain Feel Like?

Elbow pain can show up in different ways, including:

  • Difficulty moving your elbow
  • Dull aching pain
  • Sharp pain
  • Tingling or numbness that spreads down your arm or hand

The pain may occur on the inside or outside of your elbow, depending on the cause.

Causes of Elbow Pain

Elbow pain often results from overuse, an injury or a past surgery. It can also be caused by an underlying medical condition. Here are some of the most common causes of elbow pain:

  • Arthritis
  • Cubital tunnel syndrome
  • Dislocated elbow
  • Distal biceps tendon injury
  • Elbow instability
  • Elbow stiffness
  • Fractures
  • Golfer’s elbow
  • Repetitive stress injury
  • Tendonitis
  • Tennis elbow
  • Throwing injuries
  • Triceps tendon injury
  • Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury

With so many possible causes, getting the right diagnosis is essential to finding the best treatment for you.

How We Diagnose the Cause of Elbow Pain

The first step toward relief is understanding what’s causing your pain. We take the time to listen, learn about your symptoms and understand how elbow discomfort affects your daily life. At your first appointment, our team will:

  • Review your medical history.
  • Discuss any treatments you’ve tried.
  • Perform a physical exam to check flexibility, range of motion and pain triggers.

Advanced Diagnostic Tools for Elbow Pain

We may use imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to get a clear view of your elbow and identify the cause of your pain. MU Health Care offers the latest technology and a team of experts to diagnose even the most complex conditions. 

Since elbow pain can sometimes be linked to a pinched nerve in the neck, we make sure to do a full assessment to understand all areas impacted. With a precise diagnosis, we can create the best treatment plan for you.

How We Treat Elbow Pain

At MU Health Care, we focus on helping you feel better in ways that fit your needs. 

Our team collaborates with specialists across various fields to personalize your treatment, whether through nonsurgical options or advanced surgical care. We are committed to helping you can get back to doing what you love.

Nonsurgical Treatments for Elbow Pain

Once we understand your condition and goals, we may explore nonsurgical options first. Depending on your needs, treatment may include:

  • Rest: Limiting movement gives your body time to heal. A splint, brace, ice or heat may help reduce pain.
  • Injections: Targeted medications can relieve pain and inflammation, often with same-day availability for quick relief.
  • Medications: NSAIDs and other medications can help with pain, swelling and inflammation.
  • Physical therapy: Stretches and exercises help improve flexibility and strength.
  • Injury prevention: Small adjustments to your workspace or daily activities can reduce strain and prevent pain from returning.

Elbow Surgery

If nonsurgical treatments don’t relieve your symptoms, MU Health Care provides the most expert elbow surgery care in the region. 

Our surgeons handle more complex elbow cases than anyone else in the area. We specialize in advanced elbow procedures, including:

  • Arthroscopic or open contracture release for stiff elbow
  • Arthroscopic debridement for arthritic elbow
  • Ligament repair and reconstruction for unstable elbow
  • Surgical debridement for tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
  • Fixation of fractured and dislocated elbow
  • Elbow replacement

If a previous surgery didn’t provide relief, our team also performs revision procedures to help you heal.

Continued Elbow Care

Recovery doesn’t stop after treatment. Our physical therapists and doctors work side by side to help you heal faster, regain strength and restore mobility, so you can get back to enjoying the activities you love.

 

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