ELBOW CONDITIONS

Cubital tunnel syndrome is compression or irritation of the ulnar nerve in a tunnel on the inside of the elbow (where your ‘funny bone’ is). The ulnar nerve provides sensation to the little finger and part of the ring finger, and power to the small muscles within the hand.

Read More About the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome here.

Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow. It’s clinically known as lateral epicondylitis. It often occurs after strenuous overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, near the elbow joint. You may notice pain on the outside of your upper forearm, just below the bend of your elbow; when lifting or bending your arm; when gripping small objects, such as a pen; and when twisting your forearm, such as turning a door handle or opening a jar. You may also find it difficult to fully extend your arm.

Read More About the Diagnosis and Treatment of Tennis / Golfer’s Elbow here.

Osteoarthritis of the elbow occurs when the cartilage surface of the elbow is worn out or is damaged. This can happen because of a previous injury such as elbow dislocation or fracture. Most commonly, however, it is the result of a normal wearing away of the joint cartilage from age and activity. Osteoarthritis usually affects the weight-bearing joints, such as the hip and knee. The elbow is one of the least affected joints because of its well matched joint surfaces and strong stabilizing ligaments. As a result, the elbow joint can tolerate large forces across it without becoming unstable.

Read More About the Diagnosis and Treatment of Arthritis of the elbow here.

Reduced motion of the elbow can make it difficult to perform even simple tasks. With a stiff elbow, it may be difficult to bend or straighten your elbow, turn your palm up (to wash your face), or turn the palm down. Elbow stiffness is usually the result of an injury. Arthritis can also cause stiffness in some people.

Read More About the Diagnosis and Treatment of Elbow Stiffness here.

Elbow fractures may result from a fall, a direct impact to the elbow, or a twisting injury to the arm. Sprains, strains or dislocations may occur at the same time as a fracture. X-rays are used to confirm if a fracture is present and if the bones are out of place. Sometimes a CT (Computed Tomography) scan might be needed to get further detail.

Read More About the Diagnosis and Treatment of Elbow Fractures here.

The olecranon (oh-LEH-cruh-nahn) is the pointy bone at the tip of the elbow. The bursa is the thin sac of fluid that lies between this boney tip and the skin. It helps the skin slide over the bone smoothly. Normally, this sac has only a tiny bit of fluid inside of it and lays flat. However, the bursa can become irritated or inflamed and fill with extra fluid. When this happens, a painful swelling develops at the back of the elbow. This swelling is olecranon bursitis.

Read More About the Diagnosis and Treatment of Olecranon Bursitis here.