Elbow Pain

Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans

Orthopedic Surgeons located in New Orleans, LA

Elbow pain is a common musculoskeletal problem, but if it affects your mobility or quality of life, it’s crucial to identify the underlying cause. At Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans (OANO) in New Orleans, Louisiana, the team of skilled orthopedic surgeons offers various treatments for elbow pain, including physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and surgery. Call Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans today to request treatment for elbow pain or make your appointment online. 

Elbow Pain Q & A

What is elbow pain?

Elbow pain is stiffness, discomfort, or aching that affects one or both elbows –– the joints where your upper arm bone and forearm bones meet. Anyone can experience elbow pain, but it’s most common in athletes and people who use hand tools.

Most types of elbow pain improve with rest, ice, and activity modification. If the pain continues, worsens, or interferes with your regular routine, contact Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans immediately.

What causes elbow pain?

The Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans team treats elbow pain caused by various things, including:

  • Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
  • Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
  • Olecranon bursitis (inflamed bursa sacs in the elbow)
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Elbow dislocation
  • Ligament strains and sprains

Traumatic injuries, like fractures, may cause elbow pain.

Should I see a doctor about elbow pain?

Make an appointment at Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans if you have elbow pain that occurs alongside swelling, bruising, or difficulty moving the joint. That’s particularly true if you struggle with regular activities, like bathing, getting dressed, or brushing your teeth.

How is elbow pain diagnosed?

Your Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, if it’s worse during certain activities, and what it feels like.

Next, they examine your elbow, looking for redness, swelling, or bruising. Your provider gently presses on your elbow to pinpoint sensitive areas and moves your joint side to side and back and forth. They then order X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to get a closer look at your elbow joint and the surrounding tissues.

How is elbow pain treated?

Treatment of elbow pain depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Usually, the Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans team recommends conservative measures, including:

  • Ice Rest
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medication
  • Physical therapy
  • Braces or immobilization
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Elbow padding

Surgery may be an option if your symptoms continue or worsen even after these treatments. The Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans team offers both minimally invasive and traditional open elbow surgery.

Is there any way to prevent elbow pain?

You can reduce your risk of elbow pain by taking good care of your elbow joints. The Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans team recommends warming up and stretching before exercise and regularly taking breaks if you use hand tools at work.

Call Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans today to receive treatment for elbow pain, or make your appointment online.