Elbow
Elbow Pain Diagnosis & Treatment in Southeastern Wisconsin
Your elbow can undergo a lot of repetitive stress or sudden movements that tax the joint and surrounding tendons, and be a prime target for injury. Elbow pain can be a minor annoyance or extremely painful. Regardless of the severity, our team of elbow specialists can help with elbow pain diagnosis and treatment.
Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance doctors have experience in treating both common and complex elbow conditions. Many are also fellowship-trained with sub-specialties in elbow injury treatment and disorders, which means you’ll receive care that is among the best in Southeastern Wisconsin.
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Elbow Conditions We Treat
Our elbow specialists diagnose and treat the full range of elbow conditions and injuries, creating a personalized plan to relieve your pain and restore strength and motion.
Other Elbow Conditions
Elbow Arthritis & Replacement
Arthritis of the elbow develops when the cartilage that cushions the joint wears down or becomes inflamed, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of motion. It may result from age-related wear, a prior injury, or an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment begins with anti-inflammatory measures, injections, and physical therapy, and when arthritis becomes advanced, total elbow replacement can relieve pain and restore function.
Elbow Tendonitis
Elbow tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons that attach to the elbow, most often caused by repetitive gripping, lifting, or overhead motion. It typically causes pain and tenderness on the inner or outer elbow that worsens with activity. Most cases improve with rest, bracing, anti-inflammatory measures, and physical therapy, with injections or surgery reserved for persistent symptoms.
Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is inflammation of the tendons on the inner side of the elbow caused by repetitive wrist and forearm motion. It produces pain and tenderness along the inner elbow that may radiate into the forearm and worsen with gripping. Treatment usually includes rest, bracing, stretching, and physical therapy, with injections or surgery considered when symptoms persist.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or irritated as it passes along the inner side of the elbow — the same nerve responsible for the “funny bone” sensation. It can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the ring and little fingers, often worsening when the elbow is bent for long periods. Treatment ranges from bracing and activity modification to surgery that relieves pressure on the nerve in persistent cases.
Radial Tunnel Syndrome
Radial tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the radial nerve as it travels through the forearm near the elbow, often from repetitive twisting or gripping. It typically produces aching pain on the outer forearm just below the elbow — sometimes mistaken for tennis elbow — along with weakness. Treatment usually begins with rest, splinting, and activity modification, with surgery considered when conservative care does not relieve the compression.
Elbow Instability
Elbow instability occurs when the ligaments that stabilize the joint are stretched or torn, allowing the elbow to shift, catch, or feel as though it may give way. It often follows a dislocation or injury and can cause pain, recurrent slipping, and difficulty with certain movements. Treatment ranges from bracing and physical therapy to ligament reconstruction for recurrent or severe instability.
UCL Injury
The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) on the inner side of the elbow can be stretched or torn by repetitive overhead throwing, making it a common injury among baseball pitchers. A UCL injury causes inner-elbow pain, reduced throwing velocity, and a sense of instability. Many cases respond to rest and rehabilitation, while complete tears in athletes may require reconstruction, commonly known as Tommy John surgery.
Distal Biceps Tendon Tear
A distal biceps tendon tear occurs when the tendon connecting the biceps muscle to the forearm detaches at the elbow, usually from a sudden forceful load such as lifting a heavy object. It often produces a “pop,” followed by pain, bruising, swelling, and weakness when bending the elbow or rotating the forearm. Surgical repair is frequently recommended, especially for active patients, to restore full strength.
Triceps Tendon Tear
A triceps tendon tear is an uncommon injury in which the tendon connecting the triceps muscle to the back of the elbow partially or completely detaches, often from a fall or forceful load. It causes pain, swelling, and weakness when straightening the elbow. Partial tears may be managed without surgery, while complete tears usually require surgical repair to restore strength.
Little Leaguer’s Elbow
Little Leaguer’s elbow is an overuse injury affecting the growth plate on the inner elbow in young, skeletally immature athletes, most often from repetitive throwing. It causes inner-elbow pain and may limit the ability to throw or fully straighten the arm. Treatment centers on rest from throwing, a gradual return to activity, and addressing throwing mechanics to prevent recurrence.
Loose Bodies
Loose bodies are small fragments of bone or cartilage that break off and float within the elbow joint, often the result of injury, arthritis, or wear over time. They can cause catching, locking, pain, and swelling as they interfere with normal joint motion. When symptoms persist, these fragments can usually be removed with minimally invasive elbow arthroscopy.
Elbow Fractures
Elbow fractures involve a break in one of the bones that form the joint — the upper arm bone or one of the two forearm bones — typically from a fall or direct blow. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bending or straightening the arm. Treatment depends on the location and severity, ranging from immobilization in a splint or cast to surgical fixation for displaced or unstable fractures.
Biologics
Biologic treatments use the body’s own healing properties — including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy — to reduce inflammation and support tissue repair in the elbow. These minimally invasive options may help with conditions such as tendonitis and arthritis, either on their own or alongside traditional care. Our specialists will help determine whether biologic therapy is appropriate for your condition and goals.
Comprehensive Elbow Pain Treatment
Our patient-centric approach and expertise in elbow injury treatment make us the right choice when elbow pain is giving you trouble. We’ll design a treatment plan that considers your objectives and lifestyle.
Below are some of the most common elbow pain treatments we offer for elbow injuries and conditions:
- Elbow arthroscopy
- Elbow fracture surgery
- Total elbow replacement
Schedule Your Elbow Consultation Today
If you are experiencing elbow pain or have been told you may need elbow treatment, contact Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance today at 414-384-6700. Our orthopedic elbow specialists in Southeastern Wisconsin will evaluate your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.