Elbow Pain

From tennis to baseball, playing sports can wreak havoc on your joints, and especially your elbows. When elbow pain takes its toll on your game, find a solution at Metro Orthopedics & Sports Therapy (M.O.S.T). The highly trained sports medicine specialists and orthopedic surgeons offer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of elbow pain, getting you back in the game quicker than you thought possible. If you live in or near Potomac, Maryland and suffer from elbow pain, call the office today to schedule your initial consultation or book your appointment online. “M.O.S.T” serves the communities of Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Olney, Washington DC, Chevy Chase, Frederick, Poolesville, McLean, VA, Dulles, VA, and Fairfax, VA.

Elbow Pain Q & A

Your elbow joint consists of multiple muscles, three bones, lots of ligaments, and tendons, any of which could cause elbow pain. In most cases, this pain results from overuse, especially when executing repetitive movements with your hand, wrist, or arm.

Overuse injuries are common in specific work environments, and sports such as golf and tennis. Elbow pain can also develop from joint inflammation or dislocating your elbow. Arthritis can lead to pain in the joint, too, as can tendinitis.

In some cases, a trapped nerve creates your elbow pain.

When you have elbow pain, the joint may ache or throb. Other times, the pain may feel sharp and stabbing.

Depending on what’s wrong, you may experience other symptoms related to your elbow pain, including:

Limited range of motion
Weakened grip strength
Tingling or numbness
Swelling or inflammation

Your elbow pain symptoms may worsen with movement.

The cause of your elbow pain determines the best course of treatment. Since most elbow pain comes from overuse, 80-95% of patients see significant improvement with nonsurgical treatments.

The first thing the Metro Orthopedics & Sports Therapy team of physicians recommends for elbow pain is rest. Even if your job requires regular arm movement, or you play a sport that strains the elbow, you must abstain from any activities that irritate or bother the joint.

They also advise taking over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain and reduce swelling. Icing your elbow can also help, as can bracing your elbow to minimize movement.

Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy, where you learn strengthening and stretching exercises for your arms. Physical therapy can also include ultrasound therapy, ice massage, and muscle-stimulation techniques to aid healing.

Steroid injections can reduce inflammation in muscles and joints, improving how your elbow functions and feels. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may help with specific tendon injuries and can reduce pain from arthritis.

If your elbow pain doesn’t improve after 6-12 months, your orthopedic physician may recommend surgery.

When elbow pain stops you from doing the things you love, the fellowship-trained and board-certified team at Metro Orthopedics & Sports Therapy can help. Call the office today to schedule your appointment or book online.