Medial and Lateral Epicondylitis (Golfer and Tennis Elbow)
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, and less commonly golfer elbow, or medial epicondylitis, are painful conditions of the elbow caused by overuse. Not surprisingly, playing tennis or other racquet sports can cause this condition. But several other sports and activities can also put you at risk. Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse — repeating the same motions again and again. This leads to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. There are many treatment options for tennis elbow. In most cases, treatment involves a team approach. Primary doctors, physical therapists, and, in some cases, surgeons work together to provide the most effective care.
Ligament tears
Elbow instability often comes from trauma, but can occur with violent sporting activities such as pitching. The stress and strain throwers place on the elbow often leads to gradual tearing of ligaments. Ligamentous injuries can range from mild sprains to full tears requiring surgery. MRI will aid in the diagnosis and physical therapy can help the athlete return to competitive levels. Oftentimes for pitchers with UCL tears, surgery is needed to restore elbow stability to resume throwing effectively.
Elbow fractures
Elbow fractures are commonly seen with slip and falls onto an outstretched arm. In children, it is one of the more common injuries, usually from falling from monkey bars. Our doctors can repair your broken elbow and get your arm moving back to normal.