Elbow pain can disrupt your ability to work, exercise, or even perform simple daily tasks. Whether it comes on suddenly after an injury or builds gradually through repetitive use, understanding the root causes of elbow pain is the first step to effective treatment and lasting relief.
At Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation, we specialize in diagnosing and treating elbow pain using advanced interventional pain management techniques tailored to your specific needs.
Common Causes of Elbow Pain
Elbow pain can originate from the joint itself or the surrounding soft tissues like tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Here are the most common culprits:
1. Elbow Sprains and Strains
A sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the elbow joint are overstretched or torn—often due to falls or direct impact. Strains, on the other hand, involve injuries to muscles or tendons and are usually caused by overuse or overstretching.
Symptoms include:
- Pain and swelling around the joint
- Bruising and tenderness
- Limited range of motion or weakness
Early treatment can prevent chronic discomfort and more serious damage.
2. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Despite its name, you don’t have to be a golfer to develop golfer’s elbow. This condition involves inflammation of the tendons on the inner side of the elbow, usually from repetitive wrist and forearm movements.
You may experience:
- Pain on the inner elbow
- Wrist weakness
- Stiffness or tingling in the fingers
It commonly affects people who do repetitive gripping or lifting, such as athletes, carpenters, and even frequent computer users.
3. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Like golfer’s elbow, it’s caused by overuse, particularly through twisting, lifting, or gripping motions.
Symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness on the outer elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Discomfort during activities like lifting a mug or turning a doorknob
Without proper treatment, tennis elbow can significantly limit daily function.
Interventional Pain Management Options
When rest and home remedies aren't enough, our team offers cutting-edge interventional treatments that target the root cause of your elbow pain.
Some of our most effective options include:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Uses your own blood’s healing components to repair damaged tendons and tissues.
- Stem Cell Therapy: Supports regeneration of injured tissues using the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
- Corticosteroid Injections: Reduce inflammation quickly in cases of severe pain.
- Ultrasound-Guided Tenotomy: A minimally invasive procedure that removes damaged tissue with precision.
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): Non-invasive treatment that stimulates healing in chronic tendon conditions.
- Nerve Blocks: Interrupt pain signals and offer fast, localized relief.
These minimally invasive techniques provide long-term benefits without the need for surgery.
Physical Therapy and Prevention
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of both recovery and prevention. A structured rehab plan can help restore flexibility and strength while preventing reinjury.
We also recommend:
- Learning proper technique for work and sports
- Stretching before physical activity
- Strengthening forearm muscles
- Taking breaks during repetitive tasks
- Using ergonomic tools and equipment
By adopting these habits, you can reduce stress on your elbow and lower your risk of future pain.
When to See a Specialist
If your elbow pain doesn’t improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter medications, it may be time to see a specialist. Early diagnosis leads to more effective treatment and helps you avoid long-term damage.
At Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation, we offer personalized evaluations and targeted treatment plans that help you regain mobility and return to the activities you love.
Conclusion
Elbow pain can come from a range of injuries and overuse conditions, from simple strains to chronic tendinitis. At Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation, we provide advanced interventional therapies and hands-on care designed to treat pain at its source. If elbow pain is interfering with your life, our team is here to help you heal and get back to feeling your best.
Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation has two convenient locations in Richmond Hill – Queens, and New Hyde Park – Long Island. Call the Queens office at (718) 215-1888 or (516) 419-4480 for the Long Island office to arrange an appointment with our Interventional Pain Management Specialists, Dr. Jeffrey Chacko or Dr. Sonny Ahluwalia.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.
