ELBOW CONDITIONS

Common elbow conditions treated at Ortho Specialist Centre

Arthritis of the elbow is a degenerative condition where the cartilage that cushions the elbow joint wears down over time leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. It can result from aging, previous injuries, or repetitive stress on the joint. Treatment options include medications to reduce pain and inflammation, physical therapy to improve joint function and strength, corticosteroid injections for pain relief, and in severe cases, surgery such as elbow arthroscopy or joint replacement to remove damaged tissue.

Tennis elbow is a painful condition caused by overuse of the tendons in the forearm, leading to inflammation and microtears where the tendons attach to the bone on the outside of the elbow (lateral epicondyle). Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, especially during gripping and wrist extension activities. Treatment typically involves rest, ice therapy, physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, use of elbow braces or straps, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections, or surgery for severe cases.

Golfer's elbow is similar to tennis elbow but it affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow (medial epicondyle). It is caused by repetitive stress and overuse, leading to inflammation and microtears in the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle of the elbow. Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, worsening with gripping and wrist flexion activities. Treatment involves similar measures as tennis elbow, including rest, ice therapy, physical therapy, use of braces or straps, and sometimes corticosteroid injections, or surgery for severe cases.

Elbow bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. It can develop due to trauma, prolonged pressure, or repetitive motions. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness over the bony prominence at the back of the elbow. Treatment typically includes rest, ice therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, aspiration of fluid from the bursa for pain relief, in some cases, antibiotics if the bursa becomes infected and surgical excision.

Elbow fractures can involve any of the three bones that make up the elbow joint: the humerus (upper arm bone), radius and ulna (forearm bones). Fractures can result from trauma, falls, or direct blows to the elbow. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the elbow. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture and may involve immobilisation with a splint, or cast, pain management, physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength, and in some cases, surgery to realign and stabilise the bones.

Elbow dislocations occur when the bones of the elbow are forced out of their normal positions due to trauma or injury. Dislocations can involve the radius and ulna (forearm bones) moving out of alignment with the humerus (upper arm bone). Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, deformity, and inability to bend or straighten the elbow. Treatment involves immediate medical attention to manually relocate the joint (closed reduction), immobilisation with a splint or sling, pain management, and rehabilitation to restore function and prevent recurrence.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition where the ulnar nerve, which passes through the cubital tunnel (a narrow passageway on the inside of the elbow), becomes compressed or irritated. This can cause symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers, especially the ring and little fingers. Treatment may include activity modification, wearing elbow splints at night to keep the elbow in a straight position, physical therapy to improve nerve gliding and strength, and in severe cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve.

Muscle and tendon ruptures in the elbow can occur due to sudden trauma or overuse. These injuries often result in severe pain, swelling, weakness, and loss of function. Treatment depends on the extent and location of the rupture and may include rest, immobilisation with a brace or splint, physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility, and in some cases, surgical repair to reattach/reinforce, the torn muscle or tendon.