What is Overuse Injuries of the Elbow?

Overuse use injuries of the elbow is an orthopedic condition that affects adults and children. It is commonly seen among sports athletes and factory or construction workers who perform repetitive motions involving the use of the elbow, forearm, hand, and wrist. Children and adolescents whose bones are still growing can also be affected.

Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow are two overuse injuries that commonly occur in athletes, e.g., tennis players, golfers, and baseball pitchers. Surgical and non-surgical options are available for treating this condition. You can treat overuse injuries of the elbow in Plano, TX, at Plano Orthopedic Sports Medicine & Spine Center.

Overuse Elbow Injuries Symptoms

Any activity that requires repeated flexion and extension of the elbow or wrist can place undue stress on the tendons, ligaments, and muscles surrounding the elbow joint and result in strains, microtears, or inflammation. One or more of these symptoms may develop:

• Wrist or forearm pain
• Elbow tenderness
• Decrease range of motion
• Inability to grip or squeeze objects
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the hand, wrist, forearm, or elbow

How is Overuse Elbow Injuries Treated?

Treatment for elbow injuries due to overuse depends on the symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical exam, x-ray, CT or MRI scan, or test your muscle strength and range of motion. Your doctor will use the findings to make a diagnosis before recommending either non-surgical or surgical treatment.

Non-surgical treatments

R.I.C.E: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) methods may relieve overuse injuries to the affected musculoskeletal tissues. Wrap ice in a moist cloth and apply to the affected areas for about 15-20 minutes 3-4 times a day. Compress the elbow and restrict movement using a brace. Keep the arm elevated as much as possible.

NSAID medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen may be prescribed by your doctor to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Change in position: Sometimes these musculoskeletal injuries may naturally correct themselves. Using protective gear and practicing proper form can aid healing of the affected tissue or joint and reduce the risk of future injury.

Physical therapy: If symptoms persist, your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist who may perform stretch exercises to help heal and strengthen ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

Surgical treatments

Surgery may become necessary if you experience chronic pain, the injury is recurrent or there is severe tearing of the muscle, tendon, or ligament. The goal of surgery is to repair or remove the damaged tendon. Bone or cartilage fragments may also be removed via a procedure known as arthroscopy. Where the ligament is badly torn ligament reconstruction may correct the injury.

Getting treatment for overuse injuries of the elbow in Plano, TX

The board-certified doctors at Plano Orthopedic Sports Medicine & Spine Center have many years of expertise diagnosing and treating orthopedic injuries including those of the elbow, hand, and wrist. Note that surgery is a last resort treatment. Call 972-250-5700 today to book a consultation to speak with one of our doctors who specializes in treating overuse injuries of the elbow in Plano, TX. You will be thoroughly assessed and evaluated to decide on the best treatment option for you.