Elbow Conditions
The elbow is formed at the articulation of three separate bones and is actually composed of 3 joints. The primary joint formed by the humerus and ulna allows only for flexion and extension. The third is a pivot joint formed by the radius and ulna which allows the rotating motion of the lower arm.These joints are supported by ligaments that connect bones to other bones.
Tendons are bands of connective tissue that connect muscles to the bones. This tissue helps to support the elbow, but tendons are often a site of pain and inflammation. The most common injury to the elbow is from repetitive motion that causes the tendons to become damaged from overuse. Symptoms of elbow injuries are pain, stiffness, tingling or numbness, pain when gripping or lifting.
Procedures for Elbow Injuries, Overuse Conditions, and Arthritis
Ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, have poor blood supply, making them slow to heal. This fibrous, collagenous tissue often heals incompletely, leading to chronic conditions and arthritis. Small problems, without treatment, generally become larger ones. Autologous cell therapy, such as Stem Cell Therapy or PRP Injections, can accelerate the speed at which tendons and ligaments heal to ensure a more complete recovery.
Common conditions of the elbow
- Overuse injuries. Overuse injuries involve tendons that become strained from excess use, such as Golfer's Elbow and Tennis Elbow. Inflammation of the epicondyle of the ulnar caused by micro tears from strain is common with throwing injuries in young athletes.
- Olecranon bursitis. Bursitis is an inflammation of small sacs of fluid (bursae) that help joints move smoothly. The causes of elbow bursitis may include trauma or a hard blow, excessive leaning on the elbow, or conditions such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Biceps tendinitis. When the main tendon that attaches the biceps to the shoulder becomes inflamed, the front and top of the shoulder will ache. The sheath covering the tendon gradually starts to thicken. The tendon may tear, commonly called a slap tear, leading to a bulge in the upper arm. Biceps tendinitis can occur with sports and job-related activities that involve repetitive overhead arm movements, or simply with age.
- Ulna and radial collateral ligament sprains. These ligaments are the main source of stability for the elbow. Damage to these ligaments from injury or repetitive use will cause pain along the inside of the elbow.
Regenexx is a world-wide network of select, highly skilled physicians who are specially trained in interventional procedures for orthopedic conditions. Regenexx provides the world's most advanced, research-driven, regenerative orthopedic procedures in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. Specializing in advanced non-surgical procedures for joint Injuries, osteoarthritis, and other orthopedic conditions, Dr. Minotti brings these procedures to you!
If you are an athlete, or if you work with your arms and hands, your elbows may be at risk for an overuse injury. This is an injury caused by repetitive motions. This type of injury can be a problem for people who play sports such as tennis or baseball. Children also have a higher risk, because their bones are still growing.
Regenexx procedures are designed to help reduce pain and improve function with precise highly specific image-guided medical procedures.
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Throwing Injuries of the Elbow
Throwing overhand again and again puts stress on your elbow and can lead to injury. Young athletes, in particular, are at risk. Some play sports all year without learning how to throw properly while their bones are still growing.
This occurs when a tendon in your elbow, the distal biceps tendon, becomes inflamed or irritated. The biceps tendon connects the biceps muscle of your upper arm to the radius bone at the elbow.
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Commonly called tennis elbow, this condition is an inflammation of the tendons that connect the muscles of the forearm to the elbow. The pain is primarily felt at the lateral epicondyle, the bony bump on the outer side of the elbow.
We Can Help
To learn more about what we can do to help with your elbow condition, call our office at 817-416-0970. We will thoroughly diagnose your condition and present you with treatment options. From there we will guide you along your road to recovery.