Your elbow is a flexible joint that allows you to lift, swing, and throw. Unfortunately, the structure and function of your elbow make it more susceptible to conditions that cause elbow pain. At his practice, Puziss Orthopedics. Dr. Puziss conducts comprehensive and patient-focused evaluations to diagnose and treat elbow pain. Call the office in Beaverton, Oregon today.

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What is elbow pain?

Elbow pain refers to any discomfort that affects the flexible elbow joint. Though rarely a serious health issue, your elbow pain may make it hard for you to carry out some of your daily activities, like lifting a bag or brushing your teeth.

Your elbow allows you to flex, extend, and rotate your arm, which can make it hard to pinpoint the location and cause of your pain. If you have elbow pain that’s interfering with your daily routine, Dr. Puziss can help.

What causes elbow pain?

Overuse is the most common cause of elbow pain. Painful conditions that may develop from overuse of the elbow joint include:

  • Strain
  • Arthritis
  • Fractures
  • Dislocation
  • Myofascial tightness
  • Nerve pain (forearm pain)
  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfer’s elbow
  • Radial tunnel syndrome (pressure on radial nerve at elbow)
  • Biceps tendinitis
  • Cubital tunnel syndrome (pressure on ulnar nerve at elbow)
  • Intersection syndrome (wrist overuse injury that causes forearm pain)
  • Olecranon bursitis

Unlike other joints in the body, your elbow is less susceptible to wear-and-tear conditions that occur with aging. Though arthritis may cause elbow pain, the discomfort is more likely due to overuse of the joint because of your job or hobbies.

What happens during an elbow pain evaluation?

When you visit Puziss Orthopedics for an elbow pain evaluation, Dr. Puziss conducts an in-depth clinical exam to find the root cause of your pain.

He reviews your symptoms, including the type of pain you feel and the activities that worsen the discomfort. He also asks about your daily routine, looking for activities that may lead to overuse of the joint to help him determine the cause of your pain.

Dr. Puziss also performs a physical exam, testing the structure and function of your elbow to locate the source of your pain. He then runs diagnostic tests, such as digital X-rays, MRIs, or nerve conduction studies, to confirm or rule out a cause of your pain.

How is elbow pain treated?

Dr. Puziss develops individual treatment plans for elbow pain based on the underlying cause. Your treatment plan may include:

  • Activity modification
  • Bracing or splinting
  • Occupational or physical therapy
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Tendon injections
  • Acupuncture
  • Naturopathic care
  • bursa injection

If conservative treatments fail to alleviate your elbow pain, Dr. Puziss refers you to an expert surgeon for a consultation. However, his goal is to prevent the need for surgical intervention whenever possible.

Elbow pain affects daily life, but you can get relief. Call Puziss Orthopedics today.