What are Common Elbow Conditions?

Elbow conditions are extremely common and can lead to temporary or chronic pain. If you suffer from chronic elbow pain, you need to see an orthopedic specialist. Chances are that you are suffering from an underlying elbow condition that needs immediate, professional care. 

Here at OPA Ortho in Burien, we have a team of specialized doctors who have spent decades in training and assisting those afflicted with elbow conditions.

Here are some of the most common elbow conditions that we treat at our Burien clinic.

Arthritis

Arthritis can affect either the inner or outer part of the elbow. Both types of arthritis are painful and deserve professional attention. 

The two main types of arthritis in the elbow are:

• Osteoarthritis: gradual onset as cartilage breaks down, causing the bones to grind together painfully.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: characterized by painful episodes of swelling, this kind of arthritis happens when an individual’s immune system mistakes elbow tissue for a threat and begin attacking and breaking it down.

Baseball and Other Sports Injuries

Sports-related injuries are often the cause of lasting elbow conditions. A frequent sports player may be afflicted by repetitive injury strains, fractures, or tendon conditions. Overuse injuries are common in sports like baseball where the athlete is making repetitive actions that can cause strain. If you are an avid athlete who suffers from elbow pain, consider having your elbow evaluated to see if you have received an injury.

Distal Bicep Tendon Tear or Rupture

Your distal bicep tendons are very strong, in fact, they are responsible for most of the strength in your arms. A distal biceps tendon tear or rupture occurs when an individual lifts something that is too heavy or suddenly straightens their arms while their bicep is flexed. Distal bicep tendon tears are painful, result in swelling around the elbow, pain or difficulty bending the elbow, and more.

If you believe that you have suffered a distal biceps tendon tear or rupture, seek professional orthopedic care immediately.

Fractures

There are two main types of elbow fractures that a Burien resident might suffer from:

• Trauma fracture: these occur when there is a sudden blow to the elbow or the elbow receives a forceful impact. These are a common result of falling on the arm, running into a stationary object or colliding with a person or being in a car accident.
• Stress fracture: a stress fracture is the result of repetitive movement and overuse. Stress fractures in the elbows are common for typists, chefs, line workers, and active sports players.

Do not underestimate the seriousness of elbow fractures. Whether you have received an elbow fracture from overuse or trauma it’s essential that you have it taken care of by a professional orthopedic specialist. Contact OPA Ortho in Burien if you suspect that you have suffered an elbow fracture.

Growth Plate Injuries

Growth plates are essential in ensuring proper growth and skeletal development in children and adolescents. If a growth plate is injured the results might be skeletal growth problems and lasting complications. Children are very active and often don’t fully know how to be careful while playing. If you suspect that your child has suffered a growth plate injury it’s important to have them examined by an orthopedic specialist.

Loose bodies

While loose bodies (small pieces of disconnected cartilage and bone) aren’t necessarily dangerous, they can be problematic should they drift into your elbow joint (causing locked elbows, discomfort, and pain).

Common symptoms that indicate the presence of a loose body are elbow pain, stiffness, getting your elbow “locked”, experiencing a “catching” sensation when you straighten or bend your elbow.

Tendinitis

The two main types of tendonitis are tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow — which despite their names can affect non-athletes as well. The difference between these types of tendinitis is that tennis elbow affects tendons on the outside of the elbow while golfer’s elbow affects tendons on the inside. Tendinitis commonly affects people who make repetitive motions like those who play sports, instruments, or do professions that require repetitive movements.

Ulnar Collateral Ligament

Your Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) is a primary ligament on the inside of your elbow, and when this ligament is torn, the victim experiences great amounts of pain and affected mobility. UCL injuries usually require an orthopedic doctor to ensure proper healing.

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment

The ulnar nerve is one of the dominant nerves in your arm, making its way from neck, through your elbow, and on into your fingers. Ulnar nerve entrapment happens when this nerve gets pinched someone along its way through your elbow. Ulnar nerve entrapment results in really painful, stiff, or sore movement in the elbow.

Orthopedic Treatments for Elbow Conditions in Burien

Here are some common orthopedic treatments for Burien residents who suffer from elbow conditions:

• Arthroscopic Surgery
• Fracture Care
• Injections
• Loose Body Removal
• Non-Operative and Conservative Treatment
• Ulnar Nerve Release or Transposition

Get in Touch With an Orthopedic Specialist in Burien Today

Get in touch with our caring team of orthopedic specialists to ensure that you are able to heal correctly from your elbow injury. It’s essential for future health to make sure that you take care of your physical health.

Give OPA Ortho in Burien a call to schedule your first appointment.

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