When and What Doctor to See for Elbow Pain

If your elbow is troubling you, how do you find a doctor for elbow pain? Is it even necessary? Should you treat your elbow at home, or do you need to see a doctor? Elbow pain can be caused by a sudden injury, or can happen gradually, because of wear and tear. The elbow is complicated, comprised of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, all working together to rotate the forearm and hand, as well as allowing the arm to flex and extend smoothly. The primary job of the elbow, though, is to stabilize the lower arm and hand while providing the arm with mobility. When one of the structures of this complicated joint isn’t working correctly, elbow pain can be the result. Some elbow discomfort can be managed at home, but severe or persistent pain may require the intervention of an elbow pain specialist.

What Causes Elbow Pain?

Often, elbow pain is the result of overuse. The repetitive motions of many jobs, sports, and hobbies can cause overuse injuries, and people who lift weights or lift heavy things at work may suffer from elbow pain while lifting. Here are some common elbow injuries:

• Golfer/Tennis Elbow: This repetitive stress injury happens because of inflammation of the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outer elbow. Sometimes, these tendons even develop microtears. This leads to pain on the outer/inner part of the elbow, with considerable discomfort and reduced mobility. Most of the time, tennis/golfer elbow can be treated non-surgically, with rest, physical therapy, and, sometimes, injections. In rare, severe cases, tennis elbow may require surgery to reattach the tendon.
• Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury: The ulnar collateral ligament is responsible for stabilizing the elbow when it is flexing or extending. UCL injury is common in athletes who compete in throwing sports, like baseball. It can cause elbow pain, inner elbow tenderness, and numbness or tingling in the pinky and ring fingers. Often, they can be managed with rest and ice, but in some cases, UCL tears require surgery. They can be the result of trauma, but most commonly, UCL injuries are caused by overuse.
• Bicep and Triceps Tendonitis: These injuries occur near the shoulder, in the middle of the upper arm, or in the tendons connecting the biceps and triceps to the elbow. When the tendons in these areas are injured or irritated, it can result in pain. Typically, they are caused by overuse and improper form.
• Osteoarthritis: This common injury is due to wear and tear, due to aging or overuse. When the cartilage of the elbow is damaged or begins to deteriorate, it can cause significant pain and stiffness. There may also be underlying issues, like a past trauma, that factor into osteoporosis, and pinpointing those issues is crucial for proper treatment.
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Also known as ulnar nerve entrapment, this injury happens when the ulnar nerve is irritated or inflamed. This nerve passes through the cubital tunnel, a tunnel of bone, ligament, and muscle on the inside of the elbow. Cubital tunnel syndrome can cause numbness in the fingers, a tingling sensation, or trouble gripping objects. Sometimes it can heal on its own, but more often, it requires medical attention. Untreated, there is a risk of permanent damage to the elbow.
• Stress Fractures: When the elbow suffers overuse, the bony tip of the ulna can develop stress fractures. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan is crucial to aid in recovery and prevent complications.
• Dislocated Elbow: When the forearm bones shift out of alignment with the upper arm bone, in the place where they converge in the elbow joint, it causes a dislocated elbow. This often happens because of direct trauma, like a blunt force injury, to the joint.
• Ganglion Cyst of the Elbow: This is a small bump by the elbow joint, and is typically painful. However, if it is causing elbow pain, it should be treated by a medical professional.

How to Treat Elbow Pain on Your Own

Some elbow pain can be managed at home, by limiting repetitive movements and lifting and following the RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest the arm, apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes one to three times a day, use a compression bandage to reduce swelling, and keep the arm elevated. There are also strengthening and stretching exercises your doctor can recommend, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) can be helpful in resolving the pain. However, if these home remedies do not help, you will need to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist.

When to Look for an Elbow Specialist

How do you know when it is time to ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist? Ask for a referral to an orthopedic doctor if the pain persists for more than four weeks without getting better, or if it gets progressively worse. In some situations, it is best to go to urgent care or an emergency room immediately. If you have a traumatic fall or injury, seek emergency medical care. Additionally, if your elbow pain gets worse suddenly, you cannot move your arm, there is extreme pain where you have been injured, you notice swelling and bruising in and around the elbow, or the elbow has an obvious deformity or dislocation, it is important to be seen immediately.

Trust the Sports Medicine Professionals at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics

Known today for providing comprehensive, specialized care for patients of all ages, Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics started as a small sports medicine clinic for high school athletes, back in 1983. Under the guidance of Dr. Thomas A Brady, the father of Central Indiana sports medicine, this independent, physician-owned orthopedic surgical practice grew to include a variety of sub-specialists before moving to Carmel in 1995. Today, the Carmel clinic is one of five locations, serving patients from across Indiana, with 29 physicians and 250 staff members dedicated to providing patients with exceptional treatment, as well as actively serving their communities.