Personalized Elbow Care with Dr. Burke Orthopedics

Common Causes of Elbow Pain

1. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow is not just a sports injury—it’s common in anyone who grips and lifts repeatedly (contractors, chefs, mechanics, frequent computer users). Microscopic tendon damage near the lateral epicondyle leads to pain that can radiate into the forearm and weaken your grip.

Symptoms:

• Burning or sharp pain on the outside of the elbow that may travel down the forearm
• Pain with lifting a pan, shaking hands, or gripping tools
• Reduced grip strength and fatigue with repetitive motions

How Dr. Burke Treats It:

We start with activity modification, ergonomic coaching, and a targeted therapy program focusing on eccentric strengthening of the wrist extensors. Anti-inflammatory strategies and bracing can help. If pain persists, image-guided injections may be considered.

When Surgery Is Considered:

Persistent pain despite structured therapy may require minimally invasive removal of degenerative tissue.

Recovery Timeline:

Most patients improve in 6–12 weeks with conservative care; surgery recovery takes several months.

2. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

This condition mirrors tennis elbow but occurs on the inner side. It is linked to repetitive wrist flexion and gripping—common in golfers, pitchers, and trades requiring tool use.

Symptoms:

• Tenderness or aching on the inner elbow
• Pain with wrist flexion, forearm rotation, or gripping objects
• Tingling toward ring and small fingers

How Dr. Burke Treats It:

Includes rest, progressive loading, manual therapy, and technique correction. Bracing helps reduce strain.

Surgical Considerations:

Surgical debridement or repair may be needed in refractory cases.

Recovery Timeline:

Non-surgical recovery takes 6–10 weeks.

3. Elbow Bursitis (Olecranon Bursitis)

The bursa at the tip of the elbow can swell due to pressure, trauma, or infection. It may become visibly enlarged and painful.

Symptoms:

• Swelling at the back of the elbow
• Pain when bending or leaning on the elbow
• Warmth or redness if infected

How Dr. Burke Treats It:

Activity modification, compression, and anti-inflammatory care. Infection may require antibiotics or drainage.

Surgical Considerations:

Chronic cases may need bursectomy.

Recovery Timeline:

2–4 weeks for non-surgical recovery; 6–8 weeks after surgery.

4. Elbow Arthritis (Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Cartilage wear or autoimmune disease leads to stiffness, grinding, and loss of motion.

Symptoms:

• Deep joint pain and stiffness
• Catching or crepitus
• Reduced range of motion

How Dr. Burke Treats It:

Medication management, therapy, and injections when needed.

Surgical Considerations:

Arthroscopy, fusion, or total elbow replacement in severe cases.

Recovery Timeline:

3–6 months for surgical recovery.

5. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Ulnar Nerve Compression)

Pressure on the ulnar nerve causes numbness and weakness in the hand.

Symptoms:

• Numbness in ring and pinky fingers
• Hand weakness or clumsiness
• Inner elbow pain

How Dr. Burke Treats It:

Activity modification, splinting, and nerve-glide exercises.

Surgical Considerations:

Nerve decompression or transposition if symptoms persist.

Recovery Timeline:

4–6 weeks conservative care; months for nerve recovery after surgery.

6. Elbow Fractures

Fractures occur from trauma such as falls or accidents and may require surgical fixation.

Symptoms:

• Severe pain and swelling
• Bruising and limited motion
• Possible deformity

How Dr. Burke Treats It:

Immobilization or surgical fixation with plates and screws.

Recovery Timeline:

6–8 weeks (non-surgical), 10–12+ weeks (surgical).

7. Tendonitis, Tendinopathy & Overuse Injuries

Repetitive strain causes tendon inflammation or degeneration. Tendon injuries require structured rehab.

Symptoms:

• Aching pain after activity
• Tenderness at tendon insertion
• Grip weakness

How Dr. Burke Treats It:

Progressive strengthening, flexibility work, and ergonomic correction.

Surgical Considerations:

Only for severe, persistent cases.

Recovery Timeline:

4–6 weeks (mild), up to 3–4 months (complex cases).

8. Ligament Tears (UCL and Others)

Ligament injuries can cause instability and pain during forceful activity.

Symptoms:

Pain and instability during movement

How Dr. Burke Treats It:

Bracing, rehab, and gradual return-to-activity programs.

Surgical Considerations:

Severe tears may require UCL reconstruction (Tommy John surgery).

Recovery Timeline:

6–10 weeks (non-surgical), 9–12 months (post-surgery).

Diagnostics, Prevention & When to Seek Care

Diagnosis

History, physical exam, and imaging (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound) when needed.

Prevention

Ergonomic adjustments, neutral grip tools, strengthening, and frequent breaks.

When to Seek Care

Severe pain, numbness, swelling, or inability to move the elbow.