5 Common Elbow Injuries: Getting Fast Relief in the Bay Area
Elbow injuries are common and can significantly impact your daily routine. Fortunately, advancements in orthopedic surgery now offer faster recovery and improved outcomes. Learn more about common elbow injuries and how the best orthopedic surgeon in San Francisco manages them.
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Whether you're a tennis enthusiast, a weightlifting aficionado, or simply someone who enjoys staying physically fit, the elbow joint is often subjected to repetitive stress and strain. In fact, elbow injuries are among the most frequent types of injury for individuals who lead active lifestyles — particularly those who engage in sports or gym workouts.
An injury to the elbow can range from minor irritations to more severe conditions that significantly impact daily activities and athletic performance. Fortunately, several treatment options are available today for those who experience elbow pain, stiffness, or decreased range of motion in their elbow. These treatment options range from conservative approaches to cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures.
Read on to learn more about modern surgical treatment options for elbow injuries in San Francisco — including those that offer the quickest recovery and return to an active lifestyle with minimal disruption.
Five Common Elbow Injuries in San Francisco
Understanding common elbow conditions can help you recognize the symptoms of an elbow injury early and get proper treatment quickly. This will ultimately lead to a faster recovery and a higher chance of needing only a minimally invasive procedure instead of elbow surgery.
1. Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury affecting the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, it's not limited to tennis players and can occur in any activity involving repetitive arm, elbow, or wrist movement. Signs and symptoms include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, which may radiate into the forearm and wrist. Weakness in grip strength and discomfort when lifting or grasping objects are also common.
2. Golfer's Elbow
Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is similar to tennis elbow but affects the inner side of the elbow. It's caused by repetitive stress on the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the inside of the elbow bone.
Activities involving repeated wrist flexion or forearm pronation can lead to this condition. Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, potentially extending along the inner forearm. Weakness in the hands and wrists and stiffness in the elbow are also typical.
3. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve, which passes through the cubital tunnel on the inner side of the elbow, becomes compressed or irritated. This can happen due to repetitive elbow flexion, direct pressure on the elbow, or injury. Symptoms include numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers, hand weakness, and pain on the inner side of the elbow. In severe cases, it may lead to muscle wasting in the hand.
4. Bursitis
Elbow bursitis is the inflammation of the olecranon bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between the tip of the elbow bone and the skin. Risk factors that increase your chances of developing bursitis include repetitive pressure on the elbow, a direct blow, infection, or certain medical conditions. The primary symptom is swelling at the back of the elbow, which may be accompanied by pain, warmth, and redness. The elbow's range of motion may also be affected.
5. Arthritis
Arthritis in the elbow can take several forms, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. It involves the breakdown of cartilage in the elbow joint, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
Osteoarthritis typically develops with age or after an injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. Common symptoms include pain, especially during movement, stiffness, swelling, and a decreased range of motion in the elbow. In some cases, people may experience a grinding sensation in the joint.
Top Treatment Options for Elbow Injuries
Understanding the top treatment plans available in San Francisco can help you be better prepared to discuss options with your orthopedic doctor and make informed decisions about your care.
Minimally-Invasive Arthroscopic Elbow Procedures
This advanced surgical technique uses small incisions and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat various elbow conditions. During these procedures, a tiny camera, called an arthroscope, is inserted into the elbow joint, allowing surgeons to view and operate on the affected area with high precision.
This approach typically results in less pain, faster recovery, and reduced scarring compared to traditional open surgery. One common arthroscopic procedure is contracture release, which addresses elbow stiffness caused by scar tissue or joint capsule tightening. Arthroscopic techniques can also be used for other elbow issues, such as removing bone spurs, repairing ligaments, or treating tennis elbow.
Open Elbow Surgery
This traditional surgical approach involves larger incisions to access the elbow joint and surrounding structures — a method typically chosen when more extensive repairs are needed or when the affected area is not easily accessible through arthroscopic techniques. Open surgery may be necessary for complex fractures, severe ligament or tendon damage, or the removal of large bone spurs or tumors.
Specific open elbow procedures include:
A popular procedure among athletes is ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, also known as Tommy John Surgery. This procedure is typically performed on athletes who have sustained elbow tendon injuries due to repetitive stress.
While open elbow surgeries generally require longer recovery than arthroscopic procedures, they can effectively solve more severe or complex elbow conditions.
How do I Know if I Need Elbow Surgery?
A common question we get asked is, “How do I know if elbow surgery is right for me?” Typically, surgical options are only considered once you have a physical exam, and an orthopedic doctor has medically reviewed your case. Additionally, due to the increased risk of infection when opening part of your body, your orthopedic doctor may recommend that you try anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroid injections before resorting to surgical treatment.
Where to Find the Best Orthopedic Surgeon in San Francisco for Elbow Surgery
Choosing a highly skilled specialist can significantly impact your recovery when addressing elbow injuries — especially if you’re hoping for the most conservative treatment and fastest recovery.
Dr. James Chen has become the leading orthopedic surgeon for elbow procedures in San Francisco. His comprehensive expertise in both traditional open surgeries and state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques allows him to offer tailored solutions for a wide range of elbow conditions.
Dr. Chen and his specialized surgical team utilize advanced technology and innovative methods associated with quicker rehabilitation and less post-operative discomfort. His patient-centered approach and commitment to staying up-to-date with advancements in orthopedic medicine make Dr. Chen the preferred choice for individuals seeking effective treatment for elbow injuries and a swift return to active lifestyles.
Ready to get relief and full elbow mobility from San Francisco’s leading orthopedic surgeon?
