Elbow Conditions

Tendonitis

Inflammation of the tendon, which sometimes can have slight deterioration of the tendon and be amenable to a steroid or “cortisone” injection.  However, if there is impingement or squeezing of the tendon, surgery may be indicated.

Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Irritation of the tendons for elbow extension and supination. Treatment initially starts with rest, ice, relaxation, and strengthening and using a tennis elbow or counterforce brace. When these do not work, you can try steroid injections, prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma injections, TENEX procedure and, ultimately surgical interventions.

Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)

Irritation of the tendons for elbow flexion and pronation. Treatment initially starts with rest, ice, relaxation and strengthening and using a golfer’s elbow or counterforce brace. If these do not work, you can try steroid injections, prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma injections, TENEX procedure and, ultimately, surgical interventions.

Olecranon Bursitis

This is a bursa in the back of the elbow that can get inflamed from rheumatological processes of trauma.  It can be generally treated with a steroid injection done in the office.

Cubital Tunnel

This can irritate the elbow or the pinky side of the hand and is due to an irritation of the ulnar nerve in the elbow.  It can be treated by elbow braces at night.  Diagnosis generally is made by nerve conduction study.  Treatment may require steroid injection under ultrasound guidance.  In severe cases surgery, called an ulnar nerve transposition, where the nerve is moved may be indicated.

Osteoarthritis of the Elbow

Osteoarthritis, which can be caused by overuse, can be diagnosed by X ray and is generally amenable to intraarticular steroid injections under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance.