Elbow Orthopedic Treatment in Arlington, VA

Your Best Option for Treatment of Elbow Pain is OrthoBethesda in Arlington

Elbow pain can develop for various reasons, including activity, injury, or prolonged pressure. Elbow injuries are quite common and can occur in people of all ages. However, those who suffer consistent elbow pay usually do so in adulthood because of leaning on a desk all day or injuries incurred while participating in activities that can stress joints. Those suffering from elbow pain and other elbow conditions have multiple options for dealing with the pain, including physical therapy, surgical treatments, and pain medication.

Common Causes of Elbow Pain

People of all ages can suffer from elbow pain. The most common causes of elbow pain may include the following:

• Tennis elbow
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Sprains and strains
• Fractured elbow
• Dislocated elbow
• Trapped nerves
• Bursitis
• Stress fractures
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Gout
• Osteochondritis dissecans
• Lyme disease

When Should I Seek Treatment?

Every elbow injury is different, which means that every patient will experience different pain levels. You should seek treatment for an ulnar nerve or sports injury when the following happens:

• Rest and ice does not help elbow pain subside
• Elbow pain is still present even when you are not using your arm
• There is intense pain, swelling, or bruising around your elbow
• You have difficulty bending your arm
• The pain, swelling, redness, or bruising worsens or you have a fever

If you experience any of the above, it’s time to consult a trusted orthopedic surgeon at OrthoBethesda to discuss your surgical options for repetitive injuries.

The Makeup of the Elbow

The elbow is made up of three bones and is what’s known as a hinge joint. The upper area of the hinge joint is located at the upper end of the arm (the humerus). The lower area of the hinge joint is located at the top of the two forearm bones (the ulna and radius). When you bend your arm, the ends of the ulna and radius rub up against the end of the humerus.

A Healthy Elbow

When you have a healthy elbow the ends of the bones are smooth and covered in cartilage. The cartilage helps prevent pain when the ulna and radius rub against the humerus when you bend your arm. As the cartilage wears away, either over time or due to arthritis, the pain begins to set in when you move your arm.

Dealing with an Elbow with Arthritis

Suffering from arthritis in your elbow can be debilitating. You will struggle to pick up even the lightest items, you might not be able to use a computer for long periods, and you could have trouble sleeping on the side that is affected the most. The good thing is that there are multiple treatment options available for someone who suffers from elbow arthritis.

Options for Treating your Elbow Pain

Total Elbow Replacement

The first treatment option is to undergo total elbow replacement surgery. This is a serious surgery that should only be performed after consulting with your doctor about all of your options. Should you decide on total elbow replacement surgery, the surgeon will insert an artificial hinge made of metal and strong plastic. This prevents the ulna and radius from rubbing against the humerus when you move your arm. This implant helps with pain relief.

How We Attach the Implant

As mentioned earlier, the implant is the metal and plastic hinge that we insert into your elbow to prevent the bones from rubbing against each other, relieving your pain symptoms. The implant has two metal stems that are connected using a locking pin. The pin goes through the end of each stem. Cement made specifically for bones is used to hold the stems in place in the canals. Once the cement hardens, the two implant points are brought closer together and the pin is inserted to hold them in place

Closing the Area and Recovery

Once the implant has been secured into place, the surgeon might manipulate some of the ligaments around the elbow to allow for the best possible movement. Once this has been completed, the surgeon will close the area. If necessary, a tube might be inserted into the elbow to allow for drainage of any fluids in the first few hours following the surgery. You will be moved to a recovery room and your elbow will be wrapped in a sterile bandage.