Elbow Pain Specialist – Orange County
If you are suffering from elbow pain, don’t wait any longer. Contact OC Sports and Wellness today to schedule a consultation. We will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to get you back to doing the things you love.
Dealing with elbow pain can be a frustrating and limiting experience, affecting your ability to perform even the simplest tasks. Whether you’re an athlete, an office professional, or someone who values an active lifestyle, elbow discomfort can significantly impact your daily routine.
The elbow, a joint fundamental to numerous daily activities, is susceptible to a range of issues that can lead to pain and discomfort. Whether you’ve encountered elbow pain due to repetitive motions, sports-related activities, or unforeseen injuries, understanding the symptoms and potential causes is the first step toward finding relief.
While elbow pain is often harmless, it can be bothersome due to the joint’s significant role in various movements. The elbow, a complex hinge-like joint, enables arm extension, flexion, and forearm rotation. Combining these movements can make pinpointing the exact cause of pain challenging.
Symptoms of Elbow Injury
Elbow pain can be intermittent, worsen with movement, or be constant. It may manifest as a sharp or aching sensation or cause tingling or numbness in the arm and hand. Occasionally, elbow pain can stem from neck, upper spine, or shoulder issues.
- Dull ache when at rest.
- Pain when making a fist (golfer’s elbow)
- Pain when opening the fingers (tennis elbow)
- Soreness around the affected elbow bump.
- Weak grip.
- Difficulties and pain when trying to grasp objects, especially with the arm stretched out.
Arthritis
Elbow arthritis can result in pain, stiffness, and loss of function. Various treatments include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medicines, bracing, cortisone, and surgery.
Biceps Tendon Rupture, Distal
The biceps tendon can rupture from its attachment to the elbow. It can occur when lifting heavy objects and is common in weightlifters. Because this is an essential tendon for elbow use and strength, surgical repair is the treatment for most patients.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome may occur when the ulnar nerve in the arm becomes irritated or compressed. The ulnar nerve travels from the neck down into the hand and can become constricted in many places along this path.
This is a common problem similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. When the compression happens at the elbow, it is called Cubital tunnel syndrome. Cubital tunnel syndrome results in tingling and numbness in the ring and small fingers of the hand and can be quite painful.
Elbow Arthroscopy
This is an out-patient surgery where a small camera and instruments are placed in the elbow through tiny incisions. This surgery allows treatment of many elbow problems including removal of loose bone or cartilage, smoothing of worn cartilage or bone spurs and removal of scar tissue and inflammatory tissue.
Epicondylitis
Lateral Epicondylitis is commonly referred to as “Tennis Elbow.”
Medial Epicondylitis is widely known as “Golfer’s Elbow.”
However, despite the names, many types of athletes acquire this condition whenever damage to the tendons of the extensor muscles occurs. Epicondylitis is caused by chronic overuse or a specific trauma sustained by the tendons, resulting in inflammation and pain.
Elbow Pain & Injury
Call our office if you suspect an injury to your elbow. Self-care measures may be all you need, but talk to Dr. Sunshine to discuss whether you should have your elbow evaluated. If signs and symptoms are severe, you may have significant damage to your elbow.
As a sports medicine doctor, Dr. Sunshine digs deeper than a general physician who might only prescribe medication. Our practice employs advanced diagnostics to pinpoint the root cause of your pain, not just mask it with pills. This could involve imaging tests, physical therapy evaluations, or nerve studies.
Fractures
The elbow is a very delicate and complex joint. It is a common joint for elbow fractures to occur. Elbow joint fractures can cause stiffness and loss of function. Sometimes, surgery is needed to repair the broken bones.
Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s Elbow is form of tendonitis affects the “inside” wrist flexor tendons. This is common in golfers and non-golfers alike. The treatment options are similar to tennis elbow and have a high success rate.
Ligament Injuries
The ligaments of the elbow can be torn from trauma, dislocation, or throwing a ball. A brace and physical therapy are helpful in the treatment. For severe injuries, ligament reconstruction may be required. This is known as the “Tommy John” surgery and is done on an outpatient basis.
Olecrenon Bursitis
Olecrenon Bursitis, also known as “Elbow Bursitis”, is caused primarily by either trauma or prolonged pressure. This condition can lead to pain and soreness in the elbow, as well swelling in the area.
This condition causes pain and swelling on the “back” of the elbow. It can result from an injury or work-related prolonged pressure on the elbow. Often, a large amount of fluid will build up in the “bursa sac” that might require drainage in the office.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow is form of overuse tendonitis affects the “outside” extensor tendons. It is also prevalent in people who don’t play tennis and can also be a work-related injury.
Treatment consists of rest, ice, physical therapy, and bracing. Sometimes, cortisone shots are needed. Outpatient surgery to repair the damaged tendon has a very high success rate if conservative treatment fails.
OC Sports and Wellness
OC Sports and Wellness empowers you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your health and well-being and embark on a journey toward relief and recovery. This means personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, whether reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, or improving overall mobility.
Dr. Sunshine’s approach focuses on minimally invasive treatments and conservative techniques. He understands the power of protecting your elbows for long-term results. Call 949-460-9111 today and take the first step towards lasting relief.