Introduction
Pain or soreness in the elbow region can be caused by a variety of issues, including bone, joint, muscle, ligament or tendon problems. It is quite common and can be caused by an injury, overuse, strain injuries or medical conditions. Seek medical advice (Total Orthopaedic Care & Surgery) immediately if significant pain develops after a fall or any injury to rule out a fracture.
Signs of Severe Elbow Pain
The following are signs that you should seek an opinion from an orthopaedic surgeon:
Persistent Discomfort during or after physical activity
Hand or finger numbness, weakness or tingling sensation
Inflammation, redness or warmth near the elbow joint
Significant pain after a fall/injury with associated deformity
Joint stiffness/restricted range of motion
Popping sensation/ crackling sound when moving your elbow
Popping sensation/ crackling sound when moving your elbow
Persistent pain that does not go away
Orthopaedic Assessment
The orthopaedic assessment at Total Orthopaedic Care & Surgery (TOCS) would involve taking a detailed history of symptoms, physical examination, imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI scans and possibly other diagnostic tests so the doctor can get an accurate diagnosis before deciding on a treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Elbow Pain
Treatment for elbow pain will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the pain, as well as factors like age, overall health, functional requirements and activity level. Not all causes of elbow pain require surgery, and non-surgical options such as rest, ice, medications, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and physical therapy can be beneficial. In some cases injections of corticosteroids or local anaesthetics may be necessary, or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections could help.
Surgery may be required for certain conditions such as fractures, loose bodies affecting function or Plica syndrome. At Total Orthopaedic Care & Surgery, we are experienced in diagnosing and managing various elbow issues, and perform PRP injections, Elbow Arthroscopy, Total Elbow Arthroplasty (TEA), and Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF).
Conclusion
It is important to follow your orthopaedic specialist’s instructions for treatment and rehabilitation, in order to achieve the best possible outcome. If you are experiencing elbow pain, do make an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist (Total Orthopaedic Care & Surgery) for a detailed assessment of your condition.
