If you struggle with chronic elbow pain, chances are that you have an underlying elbow condition. Untreated elbow conditions can result in pain, soreness, stiffness, and limited mobility. If you live in Shoreline and have been struggling with chronic elbow pain, you should see an orthopedic specialist immediately.

Common Elbow Conditions That Affect Shoreline Residents

The elbow is a complex network of bones, cartilage, and joints. This means that there are so many things within the elbow that could sustain an injury that results in pain or mobility issues. Here are some of the most common elbow conditions that affect Shoreline residents.

Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis

There are two types of arthritis that affect the elbow, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Each of these affects the elbow in a different way but both should be treated as serious conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that results in swelling and the deterioration of elbow tissue, due to the immune system mistakenly attacking the elbow tissue.

Osteoarthritis is a gradual onset form of arthritis as cartilage breaks down and the bones begin to grind on each other.

Tennis or Golfers Elbow

These are two forms of tendinitis that affect different parts of the elbow. Despite their names, each of these types of tendinitis can affect people who are not athletic and never participate in tennis or golf. Tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow while golfers’ elbow affects the tendons of the inner elbow. Both are painful conditions that require professional care.

Stress or Trauma Fractures

Elbow fractures may be sustained in one of two ways. Stress fractures occur gradually over time due to repetitive movements. These repetitive motions cause the elbow to become stressed and the bones to gradually crack. Trauma fractures are due to forceful impacts, such as a fall, collision, car accident, or sports injury. Elbow fractures are really serious conditions and need to have the care of an orthopedic specialist to ensure that they heal properly.

Sports-Related Injuries

Shoreline residents who actively participate in sports place themselves at an increased risk of sustaining a strain or other sports-related elbow injury. Athletes often find themselves suffering injuries due to collisions on the playing field, which if left untreated could heal improperly — causing a host of complications.

Ulnar Collateral Ligament

Otherwise known as UCL, ulnar collateral ligament injuries are common among athletes and employees whose occupations require them to make lots of repetitive movements. If you work in a Shoreline industry that requires lots of the same elbow movements and you have started to notice painful elbow symptoms, you might be suffering from a UCL injury.

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment

An extremely painful condition, ulnar nerve entrapment (also known as cubital tunnel syndrome) happens when the nerve that runs from your neck, through your elbow, and into your fingers gets pinched along the connection. Symptoms of ulnar nerve entrapment are pain and stiffness and require professional orthopedic care.

Growth-Plate Injuries

Growth plates are responsible for skeletal growth and ensure that kids and adolescents have healthy bone growth and development. If your child injures a growth plate in their elbow, this could lead to a host of complications and bone development issues if left untreated.

Distal Bicep Tear

These are common injuries for people who lift items that are too heavy or for those who straighten their elbows suddenly while flexing. Distal bicep tears are very painful injuries that can limit mobility throughout the entire arm.

If you have suffered a distal bicep tear or rupture contact OPA Ortho in Shoreline today to make an appointment for treatment.

Best Treatment Options for Elbow Conditions in Shoreline

There are multiple elbow treatment options available for Shoreline residents. Depending on your elbow condition and the severity of your injury, your orthopedic specialist will suggest appropriate treatment options.

Some of the treatments options offered at OPA Ortho in Shoreline include the following:

• Surgical treatments (such as arthroscopic surgery)
• Non-surgical treatments
• Loose body removal
• Fracture care
• Injections
• Ulnar nerve release

Schedule an Appointment With a Shoreline Orthopedic Specialist

Our team of orthopedic specialists is passionate about helping Shoreline residents on their road to recovery. We understand the impact that elbow injuries have on the lives of Shoreline residents and use our services to mitigate the negative effects.

If you struggle with chronic elbow pain or suspect that you have an elbow condition of any kind, schedule an appointment with OPA Ortho today. Our caring team of orthopedic specialists would be happy to answer your questions and help you find the best treatment and diagnosis for your elbow condition.

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