Elbow Pain

Elbow pain often results from overuse, such as swinging a racquet in tennis or swinging a club in golf. At Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ, with offices in Summit and Montclair, New Jersey, sports medicine specialists Melissa Mascaro, MD, Joelle Stabile Rehberg, DO, and Christina Hector, DO, can help if you experience elbow pain that doesn’t improve with rest and conservative, at-home treatments. Call today or use the online tool to book an appointment to have your elbow pain evaluated. 

When should I see a specialist for elbow pain?

Elbow pain can show up as aching, stiffness, or discomfort in one or both of your elbow joints. It is common for athletes who use their arms a lot, such as racquet sports athletes or golfers, to experience elbow pain, but anyone who uses their hands and forearms for repetitive tasks can develop it. 

In most cases, elbow pain resolves with over-the-counter medications, rest, and ice. If your symptoms worsen, persist, or prevent you from daily tasks or sport, seek an evaluation at Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ.

What causes elbow pain?

The team at Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ sees many cases of elbow pain. Usually, the pain is due to one of several diagnoses:

• Inner elbow tendon inflammation, or medial epicondylitis 
• Outer elbow tendon inflammation, or lateral epicondylitis
• Bursitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Dislocation
• Fracture

Elbow pain can also be due to a strain or sprain in a muscle, tendon, or ligament.

How do you diagnose elbow pain?

When you come to the Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ to have your elbow evaluated, your specialist will review your medical history, go over your symptoms, and do a physical exam. They’ll move your elbow around to determine which movements cause pain to narrow down the cause. They’ll also ask about your lifestyle and physical activity.

Usually, your provider orders imaging exams like X-rays or an MRI to look at the bones in the joint and soft tissue in the area. 

How do you treat elbow pain?

Treatment for elbow pain depends on the cause and the severity of your symptoms. The providers at Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ use noninvasive treatments that include:

• Icing
• Movement modifications
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Braces or immobilization
• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections
• Platelet-rich plasma injections
• Osteopathic manipulations
• Elbow padding

Elbow pain can often occur due to repetitive activities, so taking time off from aggravating movements can help you heal. 

If elbow pain is limiting your daily activity and exercise, contact Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ today. Call the office or use this website to set up an appointment.