Elbow Pain

Personalized Elbow Care with Dr. Burke Orthopedics


Advanced Elbow Treatments from Dr. Burke – Get Back to Your Daily Life


At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we know that elbow pain can limit your ability to do even the simplest tasks. Whether it’s a sports-related injury or a chronic condition that’s been troubling you for years, Dr. Burke offers personalized care to help you get back to a pain-free, active life. Our team uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and the latest treatment methods to address a variety of elbow conditions.

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Common Causes of Elbow Pain

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1. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow isn’t just for athletes—it can affect anyone who performs repetitive arm and wrist movements. Dr. Burke specializes in treating this painful condition, which involves inflammation or microtears in the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, the outer part of the elbow.

Symptoms:


  • Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow
  • Pain that worsens with gripping or lifting objects
  • Weakness in the forearm


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will carefully evaluate your elbow and may recommend rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or custom bracing to relieve pain and allow the tendons to heal.
  • Surgical Options: In rare cases where conservative treatment isn’t effective, Dr. Burke may suggest surgery to remove damaged tissue and promote tendon healing.


Recovery Time:


  • Under Dr. Burke’s guidance, non-surgical recovery typically takes 6-12 weeks. If surgery is necessary, recovery may take several months, with physical therapy playing an important role in rehabilitation.

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2. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Similar to tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow involves inflammation or microtears in the tendons, but on the inner part of the elbow. This condition often results from repetitive stress or overuse.

Symptoms:


  • Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow
  • Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting, or swinging motions
  • Stiffness in the elbow joint


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will develop a treatment plan that may include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and activity modification to reduce stress on the elbow tendons.
  • Surgical Options: In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to repair the damaged tendons.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery under Dr. Burke’s care usually takes 6-10 weeks. Post-surgery recovery can take several months, but Dr. Burke will guide you through each step.

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3. Elbow Bursitis

Elbow bursitis occurs when the bursa—a fluid-filled sac that cushions the elbow joint—becomes inflamed, often due to repetitive pressure or trauma.

Symptoms:


  • Swelling at the back of the elbow
  • Pain and tenderness, especially with movement or pressure on the elbow
  • Warmth or redness if infection is present


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke typically treats elbow bursitis with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and avoiding activities that put pressure on the elbow. In cases of infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.
  • Surgical Options: If the bursa becomes severely inflamed or infected, Dr. Burke may recommend draining the fluid or surgically removing the bursa.


Recovery Time:


  • Most patients experience relief within 2-4 weeks with non-surgical treatments. If surgery is required, recovery may take 6-8 weeks.

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4. Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Arthritis in the elbow can result from wear and tear (osteoarthritis) or an autoimmune condition (rheumatoid arthritis), both of which cause joint pain and stiffness.

Symptoms:


  • Pain and stiffness in the elbow joint
  • Swelling and tenderness, especially in the morning or after periods of rest
  • Decreased range of motion in the elbow


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will assess the severity of your arthritis and recommend a treatment plan that may include medications, physical therapy, or bracing to reduce strain on the elbow joint.
  • Surgical Options: In advanced cases, elbow replacement or joint fusion surgery may be recommended to restore function and reduce pain.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical treatments can provide relief in a matter of weeks to months. Post-surgical recovery can take up to 6 months, but Dr. Burke will work with you to ensure a smooth rehabilitation process.

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5. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve (commonly known as the “funny bone” nerve) becomes compressed as it passes through the cubital tunnel in your elbow.

Symptoms:


  • Numbness or tingling in the ring and pinky fingers
  • Weakness in the hand and fingers
  • Pain on the inside of the elbow, especially when bending the arm


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke may recommend non-surgical treatments like activity modification, bracing, or physical therapy to relieve pressure on the nerve.
  • Surgical Options: In more severe cases, Dr. Burke may perform surgery to release the nerve and prevent long-term damage.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery usually takes 4-6 weeks. If surgery is required, recovery can take several months, but Dr. Burke will guide you through the process to ensure optimal results.

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6. Elbow Fractures

Elbow fractures can occur from falls, trauma, or sports injuries. Dr. Burke specializes in treating fractures of all severities, ensuring your elbow heals properly.

Symptoms:


  • Intense pain and swelling around the elbow
  • Inability to move the elbow or arm
  • Bruising and possible deformity


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will assess the fracture using X-rays or other imaging techniques. Minor fractures may be treated with immobilization, while more severe cases may require surgery to realign the bones.
  • Surgical Options: In complex cases, Dr. Burke may use plates, screws, or pins to stabilize the fracture and promote healing.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery usually takes 6-8 weeks. Post-surgical recovery can take up to 12 weeks or longer, depending on the severity of the fracture and the rehabilitation process.

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7. Tendonitis

Tendonitis in the elbow occurs when the tendons that connect muscles to bones become inflamed due to overuse or repetitive motion.

Symptoms:


  • Pain and swelling around the elbow joint
  • Stiffness and discomfort, especially after activity
  • Weakness in the arm and difficulty gripping objects


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will recommend rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy to reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
  • Surgical Options: Surgery may be necessary if the tendon damage is severe or doesn’t respond to conservative treatments.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery can take 4-6 weeks. Surgical recovery may take several months, but with Dr. Burke’s expertise, you’ll receive a personalized rehabilitation plan to help you recover fully.

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8. Dislocation

Elbow dislocation occurs when the bones in the elbow joint become misaligned, often due to trauma such as falls or accidents.

Symptoms:


  • Severe pain and inability to move the elbow
  • Visible deformity in the elbow
  • Swelling and bruising


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will typically attempt to realign the elbow bones through a procedure known as reduction. Afterward, immobilization and physical therapy are used to help restore function.
  • Surgical Options: In cases of complex dislocation, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged ligaments or bones.


Recovery Time:


  • Recovery from dislocation can take 6-12 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. Dr. Burke will ensure that you receive the best care to restore full movement.

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9. Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains in the elbow occur when the ligaments or muscles around the joint are overstretched or torn due to overuse or sudden injury.

Symptoms:


  • Pain, swelling, and bruising around the elbow
  • Difficulty moving the arm
  • Weakness in the elbow or arm


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Rest, ice, compression, and physical therapy are typically recommended to reduce pain and restore function. Dr. Burke will tailor a treatment plan based on the severity of the sprain or strain.
  • Surgical Options: Surgery is rarely required but may be necessary in cases of severe ligament or muscle tears.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery usually takes 4-8 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.

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10. Ulnar Nerve Compression

Ulnar nerve compression (also known as cubital tunnel syndrome) occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed in the elbow, causing pain and numbness in the forearm and hand.

Symptoms:


  • Numbness or tingling, particularly in the ring and pinky fingers
  • Weakness in the hand and difficulty gripping objects
  • Pain that worsens with prolonged bending of the elbow


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke often recommends non-surgical treatments like bracing, activity modification, and physical therapy to alleviate symptoms. These measures help reduce pressure on the ulnar nerve.
  • Surgical Options: In cases where conservative treatments don’t relieve symptoms, Dr. Burke may perform surgery to release the nerve and prevent permanent damage.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks with the use of splints and therapy. After surgery, recovery may take up to 3 months, but Dr. Burke will provide you with a tailored rehabilitation plan to ensure proper healing.

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11. Overuse Injuries

Overuse injuries occur when repetitive motions place excessive strain on the elbow joint, muscles, or tendons, leading to pain and inflammation over time.

Symptoms:


  • Dull, aching pain in the elbow
  • Stiffness and limited mobility, especially after repeated use
  • Swelling and tenderness in the joint


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will evaluate the extent of the injury and recommend rest, activity modification, and physical therapy to prevent further strain on the joint. Anti-inflammatory medications may also help relieve discomfort.
  • Surgical Options: Surgery is rarely needed for overuse injuries unless there is severe damage to tendons or ligaments.


Recovery Time:


  • Recovery from overuse injuries can vary depending on the severity, but most patients feel improvement within 4-6 weeks with proper rest and care.

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12. Tendinopathy

Tendinopathy refers to the degeneration of tendons due to overuse, often resulting in chronic pain and stiffness in the elbow.

Symptoms:


  • Pain and tenderness around the elbow
  • Stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity
  • Weakness and difficulty performing tasks that require grip or arm movement


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke may recommend a combination of rest, physical therapy, and medications to manage pain and improve the function of the affected tendons. He may also suggest changes in activity to avoid further aggravation.
  • Surgical Options: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to repair damaged tendons.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery can take 6-8 weeks. Post-surgery recovery can take several months, but with Dr. Burke’s expertise and tailored rehabilitation plans, you’ll be on the road to recovery as soon as possible.

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13. Ligament Tears (e.g., UCL Injury)

Ligament tears, such as a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), are common in athletes and individuals who engage in repetitive throwing motions. Dr. Burke is highly skilled in treating these types of injuries.

Symptoms:


  • Sudden pain on the inside of the elbow
  • Swelling and difficulty moving the arm
  • Instability in the elbow joint


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will thoroughly examine your elbow to determine the severity of the ligament tear. He often recommends rest, physical therapy, and bracing for minor tears.
  • Surgical Options: For more severe tears, such as a UCL injury, Dr. Burke may perform surgery (such as Tommy John surgery) to repair or reconstruct the ligament.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks. After surgery, recovery may take 9-12 months, especially for athletes who need to return to throwing or overhead activities. Dr. Burke will work closely with you during rehabilitation to ensure a safe and effective recovery.

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14. Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) occur when repeated movements strain the muscles, tendons, or ligaments around the elbow, leading to pain and limited function.

Symptoms:


  • Pain that builds gradually in the elbow with repeated motion
  • Stiffness or aching in the joint
  • Weakness and difficulty gripping objects


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will evaluate the impact of repetitive movements on your elbow and recommend activity modification, physical therapy, and rest to allow the tissues to heal. In some cases, ergonomic adjustments can help prevent future injuries.
  • Surgical Options: Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered for severe or chronic cases that don’t respond to conservative treatments.


Recovery Time:


  • With Dr. Burke’s expert care, most repetitive stress injuries improve within 4-8 weeks. In more severe cases, recovery may take longer, but Dr. Burke will ensure that you receive personalized care every step of the way.

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Get Same-Day Appointments and
Expert Diagnosis from Dr. Burke

Don’t let elbow pain keep you from enjoying life. Dr. Burke offers same-day appointments for diagnosis and treatment, helping you find relief fast. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, arthritis, or nerve compression, Dr. Burke and his team are here to help you every step of the way. Call us today to schedule your consultation and get back to a pain-free, active lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How do I know if my elbow pain requires medical attention?
    If your elbow pain persists for more than a few days, or if you experience swelling, bruising, weakness, or numbness, it’s time to see Dr. Burke. These could be signs of an injury or condition that needs medical evaluation.
  • Can elbow injuries heal without surgery?
    Many elbow conditions, such as sprains, tendonitis, and even some fractures, can heal with non-surgical treatments like rest, bracing, and physical therapy. Dr. Burke will assess your condition and recommend the best course of action for your recovery.
  • How soon can I return to sports after an elbow injury?
    Recovery time varies depending on the severity of your injury. Minor sprains and strains may only require a few weeks of recovery, while more serious injuries, such as ligament tears or fractures, could take several months. Dr. Burke will work closely with you to create a rehabilitation plan tailored to your needs and goals.
  • What happens if I ignore elbow pain or delay treatment?
    Ignoring elbow pain or delaying treatment can lead to worsening symptoms, chronic pain, and even permanent damage to the joint or nerves. Early diagnosis and treatment with Dr. Burke can help prevent long-term issues and improve your chances of a full recovery.

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