Pain: Persistent or intermittent pain in the elbow or arm is the primary symptom. The pain may vary in intensity, ranging from mild discomfort to severe and debilitating.
Tenderness: The affected area may be tender to touch or pressure.
Swelling: Inflammation or fluid accumulation in the elbow joint or surrounding tissues can cause swelling.
Stiffness: Difficulty moving the elbow joint or arm due to reduced range of motion. The joint may feel stiff and may be accompanied by a feeling of tightness.
Weakness: A sense of weakness in the arm, making it challenging to perform certain activities or grip objects firmly.
Numbness or Tingling: Sensations of pins and needles or loss of sensation in the arm, hand, or fingers, indicating possible nerve involvement.
Radiating Pain: Pain that extends from the elbow down the arm or into the hand, often following the path of a specific nerve.
Clicking or Snapping: Some individuals may experience clicking or snapping sensations in the elbow during movement.
Locking or Catching: A feeling that the elbow joint “catches” or gets stuck during movement.
Muscle Spasms: Involuntary muscle contractions that can cause pain and restrict movement.
If you experience persistent or severe elbow and arm pain or any accompanying symptoms, it’s important to seek medical evaluation from a healthcare professional. Proper diagnosis is crucial to determine the underlying cause of the pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options may include rest, physical therapy, pain medication, corticosteroid injections, or in some cases, surgery.
Elbow and arm pain can be caused by various conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, bones, and other structures in the arm and elbow region. Here are some common conditions that can lead to elbow and arm pain:
It’s important to note that the symptoms and severity of these conditions can vary, and proper diagnosis and treatment should be sought from a specialist in orthopedic conditions. Treatment options may include rest, physical therapy, pain medication, corticosteroid injections, or in some cases, surgery, depending on the specific condition and individual needs.
Please note that the appropriateness of these surgical procedures depends on the individual’s specific elbow and arm condition, symptoms, and the expertise of the orthopedic surgeon. Non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy or medications, are often considered as the first line of management for many elbow and arm conditions, and surgery is typically reserved for cases where conservative measures have not provided adequate relief or for more severe conditions. Always consult with your orthorpedic surgeon to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific elbow or arm condition.
Physical Modalities: Other therapies such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or manual therapies may be utilized to reduce pain and promote healing.
Education and Lifestyle Modification: Learning proper techniques for activities and ergonomics can prevent future injuries and promote better arm and elbow health.
The treatment plan will be tailored to each individual’s specific needs and condition. It’s crucial to follow the guidance of a orthopedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to effectively manage elbow and arm pain and facilitate a successful recovery.
Board certified, fellowship trained orthopaedic shoulder, knee, hip, and sports medicine specialist managing injuries both non-operatively and operatively by specifically utilizing evidence-based medicine and minimally invasive techniques.
Board certified orthopedic surgeon with extensive experience in diagnosis, treatment and management of spine, bone or joint condition, and specializes in reconstruction of the shoulder, hip, and knee, including total joint replacement.
Board-certified and fellowship-trained in both reconstructive and spine surgery with extensive experience in the management of complex conditions, diagnosis and treatment of:general orthopedics, spine disorders, sports medicine, orthopedic upper and lower extremities.
General orthopedic surgeon treating musculoskeletal condition with a particular interest in shoulder, hip, and knee joint replacement, shoulder and knee arthroscopy, and fracture care. Dr. Vaughan is a board-eligible orthopedic surgeon with experience in complex conditions, treatment and management.