ELBOW PAIN PASADENA

Elbow pain is discomfort or aching in the elbow joint or its surrounding areas, often resulting from overuse, acute injuries, or underlying conditions. Common causes include repetitive strain from activities like sports (leading to tennis elbow or golfer's elbow), trauma such as fractures or sprains, arthritis, tendonitis, or bursitis. This pain can range from mild to severe, affecting movement and daily activities. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to address the underlying issue and relieve symptoms.

• Tennis Elbow: Inflammation of the tendons on the outer side of the elbow due to repetitive motions, often from activities like tennis or painting.
• Golfer’s Elbow: Similar to tennis elbow but affects the tendons on the inner side of the elbow, usually caused by repetitive wrist and forearm movements.
• Acute Injuries: Trauma or sudden impact, such as a fall or direct blow, can cause fractures, sprains, or dislocations.
• Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation and pain in the elbow joint.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons, often due to repetitive strain, can result in pain and discomfort around the elbow.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the elbow joint, can lead to pain and swelling.

1. Persistent or Severe Pain: The pain does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medications, or it is severe and affects daily activities.

2. Swelling and Bruising: There is significant swelling, bruising, or noticeable deformity, which may indicate a more serious injury like a fracture or dislocation.

3. Loss of Function: You experience a noticeable decrease in the range of motion, strength, or ability to perform everyday tasks, such as gripping or lifting objects.

4. Signs of Infection: Symptoms such as redness, warmth, fever, or increasing pain could indicate an infection that requires prompt medical treatment.

5. Numbness or Tingling: Persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness in the elbow or hand could be a sign of nerve involvement, such as in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or other nerve-related conditions.

6. Injury History: You have recently experienced a significant injury or trauma to the elbow, and symptoms do not improve or worsen over time.

7. Chronic Conditions: If you have underlying health conditions like arthritis or diabetes, and your symptoms are worsening or not responding to standard treatments.

Preventing elbow pain involves a combination of proper techniques, regular exercise, and ergonomic adjustments. To reduce strain, use correct form and technique during sports or repetitive tasks and gradually increase the intensity of physical activities. Incorporating strengthening and stretching exercises can support the muscles around the elbow and enhance flexibility. Using protective gear, such as elbow pads, during high-impact activities helps cushion and protect the joint. Regular breaks and stretching during repetitive tasks can prevent overuse injuries, while maintaining good ergonomics in workspaces promotes proper posture and alignment. Additionally, managing underlying conditions like arthritis is crucial to reduce the risk of elbow pain. These proactive measures collectively help maintain joint health and minimize the likelihood of developing elbow pain.

Treatment options for elbow pain vary depending on the underlying cause and severity, but commonly include:

• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen can provide relief from pain and inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design a program of exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles around the elbow, improve flexibility, and enhance joint function.
• Bracing or Splinting: Using an elbow brace or splint can stabilize the joint, reduce strain, and aid in recovery for conditions like tennis elbow or golfer's elbow.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation and swelling in the elbow joint.
• Nerve Blocks: For severe, persistent pain, a nerve block might be used to temporarily interrupt pain signals from the elbow to the brain, providing relief and sometimes assisting with diagnostic purposes.
• Surgery: In severe cases or when conservative treatments fail, surgical options such as arthroscopy or tendon repair may be necessary to address underlying issues and restore function.

To accurately diagnose the cause of your elbow pain at Spine & Pain Institute LA, we involve a combination of these methods to pinpoint the cause and guide appropriate treatment:

• Medical History: We will review your symptoms, activity history, and any recent injuries to understand the potential causes of elbow pain.
• Physical Examination: We will perform a physical exam, assessing tenderness, swelling, range of motion, and strength in the elbow.
• Imaging Tests:
  • X-rays: To check for fractures, bone abnormalities, or signs of arthritis.
  • MRI: Provides detailed images of soft tissues, such as tendons and ligaments, to diagnose conditions like tears or inflammation.
  • Ultrasound: Can be used to visualize soft tissue structures and detect inflammation or fluid accumulation.

Laboratory Tests: If an infection or systemic condition is suspected, blood tests or joint fluid analysis may be performed to identify underlying issues.