Elbow

Elbow fractures, sprains, and inflammation can become severe chronic problems, so starting treatment early is essential. At Jonathan Frank, MD, board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Frank offers precision medicine treatments and minimally invasive surgery to help you confidently reclaim your active life. Call the West Hollywood, California, office or book your appointment through online scheduling today.

What causes elbow pain?

Elbow pain affects the inner or outer elbow, and in some cases, it may shoot down your arm as well. Common causes of elbow pain are:

• Fractures: olecranon, radial head, or distal humerus fracture
• Medial epicondylitis: golfer’s elbow
• Lateral epicondylitis: tennis elbow 
• Biceps tendon tear: tendon tear at the elbow level
• Cubital tunnel syndrome: ulnar nerve entrapment
• Ulnar collateral ligament tear: “Tommy John” ligament tear 
• Elbow dislocation: simple or complex elbow dislocation

Elbow pain can occur because of a sudden injury, but more often, it develops over a long period of time. For example, tennis and golfer’s elbow both happen gradually in response to muscle and tendon strain, like gripping a golf club or tennis racquet a certain way.

Do I need to see a doctor about elbow pain?

Elbow pain only occurs when you have bone or soft tissue damage. All elbow pain requires medical attention, particularly if it’s severe or if you have additional issues such as:

• Difficulty moving your elbow 
• Cracking or popping noise moving your elbow joint
• Tingling or numbness in or around your elbow
• Bump on the elbow
• Swelling around your elbow joint

Dr. Frank is an experienced joint restoration specialist who can help you address your elbow issues and return to normal activities. Delaying medical care can cause additional damage, so calling the office as early as possible is wise. 

How are elbow problems treated?

Dr. Frank treats elbow problems case by case, always factoring your individual needs and recovery goals into his recommendations. 

Whenever possible, Dr. Frank strives to preserve your natural elbow joint by helping it heal. 

Most patients with elbow injuries or chronic elbow pain start with nonoperative treatments, including medication and physical therapy. 

Depending on the type of elbow damage you have, precision medicine treatments like platelet-rich plasma or cellular therapies may be a good treatment fit. These treatments use human-derived substances, for example, your own bone marrow or blood, to flood your elbow with potent growth factors and healing cells. 

If you need elbow surgery, Dr. Frank usually uses an approach called arthroscopy. With arthroscopy, he examines and treats your elbow using only tiny cuts. Elbow arthroscopy can repair tendons, ligaments, and other problems inside the elbow without major surgery. 

To learn more about how Jonathan Frank, MD, can restore your elbow, call the office or book an appointment online now.