Find a Doctor
If this is a medical emergency, dial 911 immediately or visit one of IBJI’s OrthoAccess Immediate Care locations.
The most qualified doctor to see for an elbow injury or chronic pain is an orthopedic specialist, specially trained in elbow care. They have knowledge and experience with injuries and conditions of the upper extremities, including the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder, and can recommend the best diagnosis and treatment plan available.
Conditions, Disorders, and Injuries
IBJI’s elbow specialists have an in-depth understanding of the many causes of both acute and chronic elbow pain. They will listen to your concerns and provide a thorough, comprehensive exam to diagnose your condition or injury and create an optimal elbow care plan.
Causes of Elbow Pain
- Animal Bites
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis
- Arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Brachial Plexus Injury
- Broken Elbow
- Burns
- Bursitis
- Chronic Elbow Pain
- Congenital Differences
- Cumulative Trauma Disorder
- Dislocated Elbow
- Elbow Cyst
- Elbow Deformity
- Elbow Fracture
- Elbow Instability
- Elbow Laceration
- Elbow Sprain
- Elbow Strain
- Extensor Tendon Injuries
- Flexor Tendon Injuries
- Golfer's Elbow
- Infections
- Lateral Epicondylitis
- Ligament Sprains
- Muscle Strains
- Nerve Injuries
- Olecranon Stress Fracture
- Osteochondritis Dissecans
- Overuse Injuries
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
- Repetitive Strain Elbow Injury
- Tendinitis
- Tennis Elbow
- Throwing Injury
- Trapped Nerves
- Traumatic Injuries
- Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury
- Ulnar Neuritis
- Valgus Extension Overload
- Wiiitis
Elbow Treatments
The elbow experts at IBJI are trained in advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments. They will listen to your concerns and work with you to develop an elbow care plan that treats your condition or injury while considering your personal needs and lifestyle
Non-Surgical
- Acupuncture
- Bracing
- Casting
- Functional Rehabilitation
- Heat/Ice
- Imaging (MRIs and CT scans)
- Immediate Care
- Injections
- Massage Therapy
- NSAIDs and Steroids
- Nutrition Counseling
- Occupational Therapy
- Pain Management
- Pilates
- Physical Therapy
- Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)
- Prosthetics
- Splints
- Weight Loss Assistance
Surgical
- Achilles Tendon Repair
- Amputation
- Arthroscopic Elbow Surgery
- Cubital Tunnel Release
- Elbow Interpositional Arthroplasty
- Elbow Joint Fusion
- Open Elbow Surgery
- Partial Elbow Replacement
- Surgical Drainage (Debridement)
- Synovectomy
- Tendon Transfer Surgery
- Tennis Elbow Repair
- Tommy John Surgery
- Total Elbow Arthroplasty
- UCL Reconstruction
- Ulnar Nerve Anterior Transposition
FAQs About Elbow Care
How Long Should You Wait to See a Doctor About Elbow Pain? How Do I Know If My Elbow Pain Is Serious?
You may be able to relieve some minor elbow pain at home with rest and over-the-counter remedies. But pain due to a chronic condition or injury should be checked out by an orthopedic specialist to prevent further damage.
See an elbow care specialist right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Swelling or tenderness around the joint
- A popping sensation at the time of injury
- Limited range of motion
- Weakened grip
- Severe pain that interferes with everyday activities
What Can Cause Elbow Pain Without an Injury?
Elbow pain not caused by a known injury could be due to overuse or arthritis. An orthopedic specialist can provide a proper diagnosis to determine what is causing your elbow pain. If there are any underlying conditions, they will work with you to develop the appropriate elbow care treatment plan.
What Are Signs You Might Have Arthritis in Your Elbows? What Does Elbow Arthritis Feel Like?
The most common types of elbow arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. While elbow pain is the most common sign of arthritis, other common symptoms include:
- Stiffness or limited range of motion
- Swelling around your elbow joint
- A grinding sensation when moving your elbow
- Instability in your elbow joint
How Does Weight Affect the Health of Your Elbows?
When lifting weights or doing exercises like pushups, elbow injuries can happen. Incorrect repetitive motion can cause a misalignment in the elbow joints, which leads to pain. Sports injuries like tendonitis are common but can be prevented with proper form and stretching and taking necessary breaks
Related Resources
Check out this collection of videos for more information about some of the most common problems diagnosed and treated by IBJI’s elbow care specialists.
