Elbow & Arm
There is a wide variety of upper extremity injuries that affect the many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons, and other soft tissues of the elbow and arm. Any of these components can be injured and have a significant impact on a person’s life.
Treatment Plans Tailored to You
Elbow and arm injuries can have a variety of causes. Some injuries are due to repetitive use, while others are due to trauma. That’s why it’s important to be evaluated as soon as possible by a physician who listens and can plan treatment not only around the issue, but also the end result you need.
Orthopaedics East & Sports Medicine Center has delivered thousands of examinations, treatments and quality outcomes for elbow and arm issues to residents across Eastern North Carolina. We have extensive experience with non-surgical and surgical options to get you back in action.
You may have an elbow or arm injury if:
- Your elbow or arm is stiff and doesn’t allow full movement
- Your elbow or arm lacks strength to perform your daily activities
- You are unable to perform normal functions
- You regularly experience severe pain
The elbow joint is prone to arthritis. This develops when the cartilage wears down between the humerus (upper arm bone) and radius/ulna (forearm bones). Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common cause of arthritis at the elbow and may affect both elbows. Osteoarthritis usually develops from aging, but may also form as a result of a previous injury such as dislocation, surgery, or in individuals who are required to lift heavy things as part of their job.
The elbow has many muscles and tendons around the joint, which connect it to the upper and lower arm. Elbow tendonitis often arises from repetitive wrist movements, like hitting a tennis ball (tennis elbow) or golf ball (golfer’s elbow). This is because the muscles that move your wrist attach via the tendons around the elbow joint. Tendonitis in the elbow may present itself as pain or tenderness around the bony parts in the front or back of your elbow. Tendonitis can also develop in the bicep and tricep tendons.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a form of tendonitis. It is inflammation or microtearing of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow, called the lateral epicondyle. It is caused by overuse or repetitive motion (like playing tennis), which leads to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome is compression of the ulnar nerve behind the inside part of the elbow causing ulnar nerve entrapment. It is the most common place for compression of the ulnar nerve, which is one of the three main nerves in your arm and travels from your neck down into your hand.
- Bursa/Bursitis
- UCL Tear
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Bicep Tendon Rupture
- Sprains and Fractures
- Radius/Ulna
- Humerus
- Growth Plate
Schedule an appointment today with one of Eastern North Carolina’s leading orthopedic and sports medicine physicians!
