Elbow Pain

Your elbow links your hands’ fine motor skills to the dynamic movements of your shoulders so that elbow pain can impact both simple and complex tasks. The sooner you can treat elbow pain, the better, so contact Austin Sports Medicine. The practice has locations in Central and South Austin, as well as offices in Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville, Texas, and a team of experienced orthopedic surgeons to help relieve your pain. To book a consultation for elbow pain, call the office or use the online scheduling tool today.

What causes elbow pain?

The elbow joint is complex and plays an essential role in the movement of your forearm. It’s where your upper arm bone (the humerus) meets your forearm bones (the radius and ulna). This joint allows for important movements like bending and straightening the arm.

Elbow pain can come from many different sources, such as:

• Osteochondritis dissecans - this is a defect in the cartilage that can case friction and pain
• Ulnar neuritis - this happens when the ulnar nerve gets compressed, affecting the sensation and function of your forearm and hand.
• Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) - this condition is caused by strain on the tendons inside the arm, often from repetitive activities like gripping, wrist flexing, or forceful rotation, especially in sports.
• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) - this involves small tears in the tendons on the outer elbow, often due to repetitive motions like gripping or extending your wrist, common in tennis or other manual tasks.
• Biceps rupture - a tear or separation in the biceps tendon can cause pain and limit your arm’s movement.

What does elbow pain feel like?

Elbow pain can feel different depending on the cause, but some common sensations include:

• Burning
• Tingling
• Sharp or dull aches
• Tenderness
• Stiffness
• Throbbing
• Radiating pain

Pain may also worsen after working out, playing sports, or doing repetitive tasks.

Am I at risk for elbow pain?

Certain factors can increase your chances of developing elbow pain, including:

• Playing sports
• Overuse or strain on the elbow
• Getting older
• Underlying health conditions
• Previous injuries

The team at Austin Sports Medicine examines all these risk factors in detail and develops a treatment plan with you.

How is elbow pain treated?

Austin Sports Medicine offers a variety of treatments for elbow pain, with a personalized approach to help you feel better. Some options may include:

• Physical therapy
• Orthobiologics
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Open surgery, if necessary

Sometimes, a combination of treatments works best to completely relieve your pain and get you back to doing what you love.

Contact the nearest Austin Sports Medicine by phone today or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment for elbow pain.