Elbow Pain Specialist

What causes elbow pain?

The elbow joint is a combination hinge and pivot joint that allows you to perform a variety of movements, like bending and straightening your arm or rotating your forearm. Thick ligaments hold the bones together at your elbow joint, and several muscles, nerves, and tendons provide movement, sensation, and stability. Injury or damage to one or more of these structures may result in elbow pain.

Overuse from repetitive motions is a common cause of elbow pain. Unlike acute injuries that may occur suddenly as a result of a fall or collision, overuse injuries develop gradually. Athletes who use overhead throwing motions, like baseball pitchers, are particularly susceptible to elbow injuries.

As a sports medicine specialist, Dr. Kersten has experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of elbow conditions, including:

• Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries
• Olecranon stress fractures
• Tennis or golfer’s elbow
• Flexor tendinitis

Another common cause of elbow pain is arthritis, which results from wear-and-tear damage to the elbow joint.  

How is elbow pain diagnosed?

First, Dr. Kersten reviews your symptoms and medical history. He asks about other symptoms you may experience along with elbow pain, like numbness or weakness. He also asks about when your symptoms first began and the type and frequency of your athletic activities.

Then, he carefully examines your elbow, including an evaluation of its strength, stability, and range of motion. He may also take an imaging test, such as an X-ray or MRI scan.

How is elbow pain treated?

Once he diagnoses the cause of your elbow pain, Dr. Kersten develops an individualized treatment plan. Depending on your specific condition, treatment may include:

• A short period of rest
• Physical therapy
• Activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medicines

If your elbow pain persists despite conservative treatment, Dr. Kersten may recommend surgery. He specializes in elbow surgery procedures, including:

• Distal biceps tendon repair
• Triceps tendon repair
• UCL reconstruction
• Ulnar nerve decompression
• Olecranon fracture repair

Dr. Kersten performs minimally invasive arthroscopic elbow surgery whenever possible to lower the risk of complications, lessen the pain involved in the procedure, and promote a faster recovery time.

If you’re experiencing elbow pain and restricted mobility, call the office of Andrew Kersten, MD, or book an appointment online today.