What happens when you injure yourself in a way that no surgeon in your area has ever seen, much less...
Read MoreYour shoulders and elbows are essential to your arms’ functioning and mobility. When the bones, muscles, and tendons in your shoulders and elbows are injured or overused, it can greatly impact your daily life. Our orthopedic specialists are here to help you get to the bottom of your pain and resume your day-to-day activities.
What Causes Shoulder and Elbow Pain?
Pain in your shoulders and elbows can be caused by a variety of factors, such as overuse, trauma, or underlying conditions. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment is essential to keeping the bones, nerves, joints, muscles, and tendons in your shoulders and elbows healthy and moving.
Our orthopedic specialists provide treatments for a wide range of shoulder and elbow conditions, including:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Sports injuries
- Tendinitis
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
What are the Symptoms of Shoulder and Elbow Conditions?
Shoulder and elbow conditions can manifest with a range of symptoms that vary based on the underlying cause. Some common symptoms include locking, grinding sensations, stiffness, swelling, weakness, tenderness, inflammation, limited mobility, as well as a sudden, sharp pain or persistent, dull aches. These symptoms may indicate potential issues in the shoulder and elbow areas, warranting medical attention for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. No matter the cause of your shoulder and elbow pain, putting off treatment may result in long-lasting pain, weakness, and mobility problems.
How is Shoulder and Elbow Pain Diagnosed?
An injury like a fracture or sprain can cause sudden pain, weakness, and instability, while symptoms of a chronic condition develop more gradually. Joint inflammation and tenderness may indicate arthritis, a tendon or ligament injury, or a sprain. A dull ache, weakness, and mobility issues may suggest an overuse injury, like a rotator cuff tear. Orthopedic specialists diagnose shoulder and elbow pain with a physical exam, checking for swelling and limited range of motion. They may also use diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to get a closer look at your bones, tendons, and muscles.
Shoulder and Elbow Pain Treatment Options
Shoulder and elbow pain is treated differently depending on the cause and symptoms. You may find relief with over-the-counter pain medication/anti-inflammatories, rest, and ice, but if at-home treatments aren’t working, talk to your doctor about what your options are.
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Prescription Medications and Injections
Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by your doctor may help your pain subside temporarily. Injections such as corticosteroids may also help relieve pain.
Physical Therapy
Your orthopedic specialist may refer you to a physical therapist, who can give you mobility exercises to help treat your pain and prevent further injury.
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Surgical Intervention
In some cases, you may need surgery, which can include joint replacement, cartilage or bone fragment removal, and ligament or tendon reconstruction.
Our Approach to Shoulder and Elbow Pain
The multidisciplinary providers at Inspira can help you find relief from your shoulder and elbow pain and get you back to enjoying life. Whether you’re facing an acute injury or chronic pain, our orthopedic specialists can help diagnose and treat your condition. Our providers are experienced in advanced treatments and minimally invasive surgeries to help you recover faster with fewer complications.
