Elbow Joint Pain Treatment
Elbow
Dr. Mark Yaffe is an experienced orthopedic elbow specialist. With a focus on minimally-invasive and non-invasive treatment approaches, Dr. Yaffe strives to provide elbow care that gets patients back to their normal lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible.
Whether you're experiencing elbow pain from injury, arthritis, or overuse, Dr. Yaffe offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment to alleviate discomfort and restore elbow function. With advanced training in arthroscopic surgery and other conservative techniques, Dr. Yaffe helps his patients recover and return to their active lives without the need for major surgery whenever possible.
If you’re ready to discuss your elbow pain and treatment options with the top orthopedic doctor Schaumburg, IL has to offer, request an appointment with Dr. Mark Yaffe today.
Battling with Tennis Elbow, Elbow Bursitis & More
Common Diagnoses of Elbow Joint Pain
The elbow joint is susceptible to a variety of conditions and injuries due to its complex structure and frequent use.
Common orthopedic elbow conditions Dr. Yaffe treats include:
- Elbow Bursitis: Inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the elbow joint. Treatment options include:
- Conservative measures such as rest, ice, and physical therapy
- Aspiration to drain excess fluid
- Bursectomy surgery to remove the inflamed bursa
- Acute, traumatic fractures: Broken bones due to injury. If you’ve been injured, Dr. Yaffe can see you quickly, and even emergently if needed. Dr. Yaffe uses splints instead of casts whenever possible, and expeditious surgical care in-office when needed.
- Elbow Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow/Golfers Elbow): Tennis elbow causes inflammation of the elbow tendons and can occur from overuse or injury. Treatment options include:
- Conservative measures: rest, physical therapy, bracing, biologic injections (PRP)
- Minimally invasive procedure (Tenex) which uses ultrasound guidance to treat damaged tendon tissue with less recovery time than traditional surgery
Ligament Repair Surgery, Joint Replacement & More
Conservative Elbow Pain Treatment Options
When Dr. Yaffe provides treatment for elbow pain, it is always with the goal of helping patients return to the lives they love using the least invasive techniques available. That’s why he specializes in leading-edge conservative elbow pain treatment options and utilizes the latest technology available in the field of upper-extremity orthopedics.
Common orthopedic elbow treatments Dr. Yaffe provides include:
- Distal Biceps Repair: Repairs torn biceps tendons near the elbow using a minimally invasive, single incision technique. This elbow tendonitis treatment was designed to reduce post-operative pain and recovery time.
- Tenex FAST Procedure: A minimally invasive ultrasound-guided procedure to treat damaged elbow tendons, particularly from elbow epicondylitis. It is a quicker recovery process than traditional open surgery.
- Elbow Joint Replacement: For severe joint damage, the elbow can be replaced with an artificial implant to reduce pain and restore function.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tenex FAST for elbow epicondylitis work?
Elbow Epicondylitis is a painful condition involving inflammation and degeneration of the tendons that attach to the outer (lateral) or inner (medial) portion of the elbow and forearm.
Although most patients will improve with rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications and therapy, some patients will continue to have severe pain that limits activities, work, and athletics.
The Tenex FAST procedure is a minimally-invasive procedure that identifies and removes pain-generating scar tissue from the elbow. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and takes about 15 minutes.
A small opening in the skin is made and the micro tip of the Tenex removal system is inserted into the affected area. The tip releases ultrasonic energy, which breaks and emulsifies the scar tissue, while preserving normal tissue. The area is covered with a bandage and no sutures (stitches) are required.
Patients return to light daily activities of daily living immediately and most normal activities in approximately 4-6 weeks.
How does Dr. Yaffe perform distal radius fracture repair?
Fractures of the radius bone are among the most common fractures treated by an upper extremity surgeon. Fractures that are displaced, angulated, or involve the joint surface may require operative repair to restore normal alignment and position and to provide a superior long-term functional outcome.
Here’s how surgery with Dr. Yaffe at the Schaumburg Surgery Center works:
- Typically takes 45-60 minutes
- A single incision is made on the palm portion of the wrist
- The fractured bone is returned to its normal position
- A low profile, titanium radius plate is placed to hold the bone in the correct position for healing.
- Typical bone healing is ~6 weeks.
- Plates are typically never removed unless there was a medical reason to do so
- A cosmetic skin closure is performed with absorbable suture and steri-strips (“butterfly strips”)
- A well-padded, post-surgical splint is applied and the patient is discharged home following the procedure. Elevation of the wrist above the heart and finger motion is important and encouraged
- Postoperative scripts for pain medication and antibiotics are provided
- Patients should start Vitamin D3 5000 IU Daily and Vitamin C 500mg daily for bone health and healing
What are some of the most common causes of orthopedic elbow injuries?
There are many potential causes of orthopedic elbow injuries, including:
- Overuse and repetitive motion: Activities or sports that involve repetitive elbow movements, such as tennis or golf, can cause overuse injuries like epicondylitis (tennis elbow/golfer's elbow).
- Trauma and falls: Falls on an outstretched hand or direct blows to the elbow can cause fractures or other injuries.
- Age-related degeneration: As we age, the cartilage and other tissues in the elbow joint can wear down and lead to conditions like osteoarthritis.
- Work-related injuries: Certain professions that require repetitive motions or heavy lifting may increase the risk of elbow injuries.
- Genetics: Some people may be born with congenital elbow abnormalities that put them at higher risk for injury.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions that lead to joint inflammation (like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) can affect the elbow joint.
How can I get elbow treatment from the best hand surgeon near me?
At Dr. Yaffe’s practice, we want it to be as easy as possible to get started on your road to recovery. Just use our simple online appointment request tool.
Seeking Elbow Joint Pain Treatment
Call Expert Orthopedic Specialist, Mark A. Yaffe, M.D.